I need to change the oil and filter in the next couple of weeks, so I'm ordering the bits I need today ready.

I've read before about needing a 27mm flexible head ratchet spanner, so was going to order one but thought I'd have a quick look to see if anything I already had would fit.

Am I missing something? I put my arms down the front, put the socket straight on with the ratchet dangling vertically down, then you can easily undo it, I did about 5 or 6 quarter turns or whatever it was that I could turn it. I then took the socket off and could turn the housing by hand.

I stopped at this point and tightened it as tight as I could by hand and then put the socket back on to tighten it the rest of the way.

It seemed far too easy - so what am I missing? I don't seem to need to take anything else off and it seems like it will come straight out.

Happy if that's it as I wasn't looking forward to doing it! I am undoing the right thing aren't I?

Click image to enlarge

I tackled an oil and filter change about a week ago...

I spent hours trying to get to the filter from the bottom, scraped my arms and knuckles, and cussed badly..

Eventually, I tried accessing from the top...
Easy..
Why all the struggling from the bottom I don't know.

What tool did you use?

The cheapest 27mm ring spanner I could buy..

It's easy to get to from above with a 27mm spanner or ratchet with a 27mm socket on it.
No need to get a face full if oil by doing it from below. 2009 Rimini Red SE TD4. Soon to be sold.
Hyundai Ionic 5 Ultimate on order.
Gone. 2006 Tonga Green i6 HSE.

Thanks, it does seem easy enough. It just seems strange that so many posts say it needs the flexible ratchet to get to it.

i think the flexible rachet is easy if you are doing it from below but you just end up with an arm full of oil, just as easy from above . 2009 FL2 S now gone
2011 FL2 HSE AUTO
2012 FL2 XS AUTO
2000 Kawasaki er 5

I tried it from above and found my arms/hands are just not flexible/thin enough to get down there without a lot of swearing and lost skin.
As Im under the car anyway draining the oil, its easier for me to reach up and take the filter off from down there. Jules

There's no need to get covered in oil - remove sump plug and drain - undo the oil filter top cap, but don't remove it just leave it loose in it's housing. Go away for a period - an hour if you're in no hurry and complete the job - the filter will have drained down into the sump, and you will have as much oil out as you can. Seal it up, fit new filter and fill - minimum mess.

Don't know what sort of socket and ratchet you have but there was no way my 1/2" Draper and 27mm socket was doing the job. First oil change I attempted on mine I had to postpone waiting for the 27mm flexi spanner to arrive. Landrover - turning owners into mechanics since 1948

2014 Orkney grey Freelander SD4 GS.
2004 Zambezi silver Discovery 2 Td5 (Gone)
1963 Surf blue Morris Mini Minor Super de Luxe (my little toy)

Aveling wrote:

There's no need to get covered in oil - remove sump plug and drain - undo the oil filter top cap, but don't remove it just leave it loose in it's housing. Go away for a period - an hour if you're in no hurry and complete the job - the filter will have drained down into the sump, and you will have as much oil out as you can. Seal it up, fit new filter and fill - minimum mess.

Bobupndown wrote:

Don't know what sort of socket and ratchet you have but there was no way my 1/2" Draper and 27mm socket was doing the job. First oil change I attempted on mine I had to postpone waiting for the 27mm flexi spanner to arrive.

I had a look this morning. From top i personally may struggle to get my hands down into area and issue may not necessary be undoing filter but getting hold of it with hands to bring it out

I always have done mine from underneath as you have to be under there to drain the oil and its easier to remove the filter after just pushing the flexible turbo hose to one side those that can get to it from the top are all midgets with tiny hands  2013 FL2 XS.
Defender 90 300 TDi.
Defender 90 300 TDi CSW.
1964 MGB Roadster.
1944 Willys MB "Jeep" with bullet holes. (gone)
17 hand Irish Drought Thoroughbred (mostly lame)
Nagging Old Boiler.

Bobupndown wrote:

Don't know what sort of socket and ratchet you have but there was no way my 1/2" Draper and 27mm socket was doing the job. First oil change I attempted on mine I had to postpone waiting for the 27mm flexi spanner to arrive.

Checked the size, about 6cm in total for the depth of the ratchet and socket.

Click image to enlarge