Is it possible to change the oil and filter without ramps?
#1
Racer
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my MIL just asked me to change her oil but I dont have ramps at her house. Do you need ramps or to jack the car up in order to access the filter or drain plug on this vehicle? I know on the 2nd gen it's a close call but it's doable.
2016 RX450H
2016 RX450H
#3
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A floor jack is not very expensive and doesn’t take much room in a garage. It is much easier to take 30 sec to jack up one side to make it easier to change the oil. It can be done without it but it is tight. I can also use it to rotate my tires in far less time than it would take me to drive somewhere to have it done. If you are capable of some maintenance things, you should have a floor jack.
#4
Racer
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A floor jack is not very expensive and doesn’t take much room in a garage. It is much easier to take 30 sec to jack up one side to make it easier to change the oil. It can be done without it but it is tight. I can also use it to rotate my tires in far less time than it would take me to drive somewhere to have it done. If you are capable of some maintenance things, you should have a floor jack.
#6
Advanced
#7
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Even with a floor jack, you still need a pair of jack stands. I don't trust any kind of jack.
Years ago when going to college, I changed the engine oil of my 1972 Pinto (bought it for $700 and later sold it for $60) by parking it with two right wheels on the sidewalk, two left wheel on the street. The sidewalk was 6" higher than the street, giving me access to the drain plug and to the oil filter.
Years ago when going to college, I changed the engine oil of my 1972 Pinto (bought it for $700 and later sold it for $60) by parking it with two right wheels on the sidewalk, two left wheel on the street. The sidewalk was 6" higher than the street, giving me access to the drain plug and to the oil filter.
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#8
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I don’t think I usually jack up my RX450h for an oil change. I just use a low profile oil pan and blanket or cardboard on the garage floor. The hardest part is the oil filter cap - make sure you have the special Toyota adaptor. The oil filter is right up front on the passenger side.
I prefer to not jack it up. It’s neater as there’s very little room to splash.
I prefer to not jack it up. It’s neater as there’s very little room to splash.
#9
Racer
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Even with a floor jack, you still need a pair of jack stands. I don't trust any kind of jack.
Years ago when going to college, I changed the engine oil of my 1972 Pinto (bought it for $700 and later sold it for $60) by parking it with two right wheels on the sidewalk, two left wheel on the street. The sidewalk was 6" higher than the street, giving me access to the drain plug and to the oil filter.
Years ago when going to college, I changed the engine oil of my 1972 Pinto (bought it for $700 and later sold it for $60) by parking it with two right wheels on the sidewalk, two left wheel on the street. The sidewalk was 6" higher than the street, giving me access to the drain plug and to the oil filter.
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ravenuer (07-04-24)
#11
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#12
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I'm a not too slim 72 yo and I change my own oil and filter on my 2022 RX350 without jacks, stands, etc. It's tight but doable for me. I have Race Ramps drive on ramp for my Corvette oil and filter changes but don't feel need to use them for my Lexus.
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SoCalRX (07-07-24)
#13
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Just be safe. The curb idea is good, if you can't fit.
The filter housing can be a pain... I love my MityVac; I do 5K OCIs and swap the filter every other service.
The filter housing can be a pain... I love my MityVac; I do 5K OCIs and swap the filter every other service.
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SoCalRX (07-08-24)
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#15
Intermediate
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On another note, has anyone used an oil extractor to remove the engine oil prior to changing the oil filter and drain pug washer? I own an oil extractor and some engines it works well on some engines (mostly European and Japanese) and on other engines it does not work on at all. As I stated above I have yet to change engine oil on our RX owed to extended warranty concerns. Before someone mentions laws regarding DIY and factory warranties, I have gotten into it—deeply into it—with Lexus Corporate on a major issue and will not allow anyone, including myself, touch the mechanics of our RX, other than a Lexus Service Department, should I run into any other major issue, until the Lexus warranty expires, so that I can avoid having to use an attorney to resolve said issue(s).