Genuine OEM Metal Oil Filter Housing Upgrade

Metal Oil Filter Housing Upgrade and Motivx Tools Oil Filter Wrench

Common sense dictates that metal is stronger than plastic, and I’m not a fan of plastic in an important part, like the oil filter housing in my 5th gen 4Runner.

Thankfully, upgrading to a metal oil filter housing using OEM Toyota parts can be done without a lot of effort or expense.

Another chunk of metal that this project involves is an oil filter wrench from Motivx Tools, which can be used for future, DIY oil and filter changes.

Items for this project

• Toyota oil filter housing (part # 15620-31060) – Check today’s price
• Toyota 04152-YZZA5 oil filter element (or aftermarket equivalent) – Check today’s price
• Motivx Tools MX2320 oil filter wrench – Check today’s price

Tools required for installation

• 3/8” drive ratchet
• 4-6 inch 3/8” drive socket extension
• Oil drain pan:
• 27 mm socket (optional)
• 1/2″ drive ratchet (optional)

Motivx Tools Oil Filter Wrench

The Motivx Tools oil filter wrench fits all Toyota, Lexus, and Scion vehicles equipped with 2.5L, 3.5L, 4.0L, 4.6L, and 5.7L engines that use the newer cartridge-style oil filter system.

It is made of forged 6061 T5 aluminum, and won’t crack or flex like cast or plastic filter wrenches made by other manufacturers.

The 14 flutes and indexing tabs on the wrench securely grip the base of the oil filter housing. In addition, the design and finish allow for easy removal of the oil filter housing from the tool, with no sticking or damage.

When ordered directly from Motivx Tools, the oil filter wrench can be custom laser engraved at no additional charge. This is great for people who may have multiple oil filter wrenches for different vehicles, or work in an environment where tools are lent/borrowed.

Metal Toyota Oil Filter Housing & Cap

Genuine Toyota part 15620-31060 is a metal replacement for the plastic version of similar parts that installed our 4Runners at the factory.

With the metal oil filter housing and cap, there is no concern of cracked plastic or longevity.

Remove the original, plastic oil filter housing

• After any skid plates have been removed to allow access to the oil filter housing, use a ratchet and 3/8” drive socket extension to remove the cap from the bottom of the filter housing.
• This is done by inserting the socket extension into the cap, and turning the ratchet counter clockwise.

• Set the metal cap aside, as it will be installed with the new metal oil filter housing in a later step.
• Place the oil drain pan under the filter housing, and thread the plastic nipple, that was included with the replacement oil filter, into the bottom of the oil filter housing.
• Allow oil from the filter housing to drain, and then remove the plastic nipple.

• Put the Motivx Tool oil filter wrench onto the bottom of the oil filter housing. The center slot/tabs on the side of the oil filter wrench should be aligned over the “wings” on the filter housing.
• Insert the 3/8″ drive socket extension into the square opening in the bottom of the filter wrench, and use a ratchet to remove the oil filter housing by turning it counter clockwise (Optional: Use a 1/2″ drive ratchet and 27mm socket to turn the filter wrench). Additional oil will drain from the filter housing.

Swap the perforated center tube between housings

• Genuine Toyota part 15620-31060 has a perforated center tube, which is shorter than the one which is installed in the plastic oil filter housing.

•  The longer tube must be moved to the metal oil filter housing. To do this, apply sideways pressure near the top of the tube, while pushing in at the bottom. This will allow the tabs on the bottom of the tube to be removed from the housing, and needs to be done on both housings.

• To reinstall the tube, first insert the bottom plate, with the domed side facing up. Put the spring inside the tube. Insert the tube into the housing at an angle, placing the tabs of it under the “feet” inside the housing. Push in at the bottom of the tube, while applying pressure at the top. Once installed, the tube should have spring tension on it. Press down on it a few times to ensure that it moves freely, and does not come out of the housing.

Install the new, metal oil filter housing

• Place the large O-ring that was included with the replacement oil filter, into the grove near the threads at the top of the oil filter canister. Coat the O-ring with a little engine oil for lubrication.

• Put the replacement oil filter over the center perforated tube in the middle of the filter housing. The longer tube installed in the previous step extend towards the end of the filter. The photo below shows a Mobil 1 M1C-256A Extended Performance oil filter, with the longer tube installed.

• Thread the oil filter housing into the same location that the plastic version was removed from. Hand tighten initially, to ensure that it is not cross threaded.

• Put the Motivx Tool oil filter wrench onto the bottom of the oil filter housing. The center slot/tabs on the side of the oil filter wrench should be aligned over the “wings” on the filter housing.
• Insert the 3/8″ drive socket extension into the square opening in the bottom of the filter wrench, and use a ratchet to install the oil filter housing by turning it clockwise (Optional: Use a 1/2″ drive ratchet and 27mm socket to turn the filter wrench). Tighten to 18 foot pounds.

• Put the small O-ring that was included with the replacement oil filter, into the bottom of the oil filter base. Coat the O-ring with a little engine oil for lubrication.

• Finger tighten the oil cap, and then use a ratchet and 3/8” drive socket extension to install it into the oil filter housing by turning it clockwise. Tighten to 9 foot-pounds.
• Start the vehicle and check for leaks.
• Reinstall any skid plates that were previously removed.