X Trail oil filter

I wasn't going to buy anything past 1997 but lost the argument with SWMBO. I will only touch what I think I cannot break too easily and as long as the the missus pays the service people I will stay out of it lol

you lost the argument?
and i thought you wore the pants in the house! better put your foot down harder next time eh?

Andy

It doesn't matter about the garage floor but when I change the oil on the GQ I take it out into the back lane as the filters(2) make a real mess.

Willem,
I used to think that changing the filters on a TD42 was a pr*ck of a job...
(well, I guess it still is)...
However there are things you can do to make it a whole lot less messy...

Here's what I do...
Preferably (if possible), let the oil drain overnight. There will still be oil in the filters, but (hopefully) not as much...
Before undoing each filter, I place a generous amt. of absorbent paper under the filters, & around the starter motor.. Then, after loosening the filter (w/- filter wrench) just enough to allow it to be turned freely by hand, place the filter wrench aside, & you need to get both hands in there.. (not easy, but it can be done)...
Now, what you need to do, is *SPIN* the sucker!!!... (and I mean SPIN it!!!)... Make sure you catch it (& get it upright) when it comes off, of course...
The idea here is to try & get centrifugal force working for you...
If you get it right, very little oil will will escape, & the paper towels will catch any that does...
I've pretty much got this down to a "fine art" now, & am happy to say that I seldom (if ever) have any kind of a mess when changing the oil & filters GU ....

Regards, Ed. C.

Thanks Ed

I will try that soon as I am about 500km off an oil change with the GQ.

Ah thank you wisey so it is not just me, when I do the oil in the diffs t/c etc I wear clothes i can throw away. Thankfully my carpark is right at the back of the block and on dirt (very well oil stained dirt)

Yep, we are getting a new astra hatch for the missus, the salesman we are dealing with is an ex mechanic (same here) so i am pushing for a cd copy of the manual (fat chance i know but i am giving it a go). And i know from experience that they are covered with 'strange' fastners, so i have to buy a torx socket & driver set which will set me back about $ 150. But it will be worth it. They offered us the extended warranty if all the servicing was done there, i had to hold back my laughter... yeah right, pay a ransom and get shiza work....

Only really need a dealer when it involves a diagnostic check, or a immobiliser key re-program.

Thanks Bradley...will do