I plan to change my own oil for the first time on the Saabaru this week. I have Rhino ramps, Filter, crush washer, oil (5qt), adjustable filter wrench. drain pan and gloves(surgical). Question: If i were to use the ramps will i be able to drain all the oil out from the pan. Since car is on ramp the front is pointing up. I hope the drain plug is facing the rear of the car (hope), that way all the oil can be drained out. If its the front Im not sure what to do other than jacking the rear and place on Jack stand to make the car level (thats too much work for an oil change. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
Why would you not just jack the car, take out the drain plug, lower the car until it drains completely and then reverse? I wouldn't think you would get all the old oil out with the car on ramps.
The drain plug on the WRX points down and to the passenger side of the car. So potentially, you could just jack up the drivers side of the car to have the most effective draining. I don't think its that big of a deal to just jack up the entire front. Thats what I normally do for the WRX and haven't had any problems.
thanks I was wondering if i can get to the filter by just jacking the car on one side. I like the idea of jacking the car and lower it back. But I have this paranoia of the frame twisting by jacking a car up on one side _ i know thats crazy but its there.
You probably can get to the filter by jacking one side, but it is safer and easier to put it on ramps.
I use ramps for mine, the few ounces or whatnot that might not drain really don't make a big difference IMO.
Jacking up one side isnt that big of a deal. I do it all the time to change wheels before autox. Its easier that way because you can get the rear tire to come up if you jack it up high enough. I don't know how it would be with the heavier trunk on the Saabaru.
i drain my own oil and i would say for any do it urselfers that u cannot drain all the oil out no matter what u do, so my advice is be on the safe side work in atleast in two so u can get extra hands when needed, and this is some good info for all new oil do it urselfers
im with the moosemiester here.. I have used ramps to change the oil since I bought the car in 2002 and have had no problems. The amount of oil left in there would be such a small amount it would not cause any problems. And get a Fumoto valve..they make the oil change a lot faster! no more crush gaskets
If you do jack it up, PLEASE remember to use jack stands while you're under the car. I just changed the oil in my sti. I jack it up from the front center jack point, put jack stands on the side support points so the car is resting on it, then proceed with the oil change. I chalk the wheels, use the parking brake, and make sure the oil is hot. changing the impreza oil is one of the easier cars Ive done. Good luck!
Hot oil? I always do my maintenance on the car before I've ever even driven it that day so that I dont burn anything. All of the oil will drip out of the block and down into the pan after a couple hours of sitting, the hot oil will already be all over everything in the engine. I second the Fumoto valve, takes 5 mins to change my oil now.
Yeah, the owners manual even tells you to get the oil up the normal operating temp. Hot oil= less vicscous= easier to drain. Also, when the oil is drained when warm, all the crap in the system is suspended instead of resting on the bottom of the pan. There are also urban myths that you can drain the oil out of the oil cooler when the thermostat opens the valve with hot oil, but Im not sure if thats true on EJ20&25 engines.
All the crud is suspended in the various oil passages around the engine? I just hate dealing with hot oil and burning my hands working on the engine.
Yeah, I'd rather drain the suspended crap out than let the new oil absorb it. Having spilt hot oil on my hand many many times, I agree, it sucks. Just be careful, back off the screw slowly, and have fun Hot old oil in the impreza smells like stinky patchouli. I think it runs off of hippies or something.
I plan to change it with jack stand on only passenger side of the car 1. is that ok ? 2. can i reach both the filter and drain valve from just one end lifeted ? 3. Where is the front center jack point ?
yeah that's how I do it too. I could see it potentially being a problem if you are lowered, but otherwise, forget the jacks.
Didnt use the rhino ramps But i found out the last free oil change was bad - missing hardware for the undercarriage shield Like to know if the Saab is the same as the WRX - config I had to remove the entire undercarriage shield to get to the filter and drain. is this the same as the WRX 5 bolts and 4 plastic fastener
That may be some update for the newer cars. I've got a little undercarriage shield but it doesnt go that far back under the engine. The oil pan and filter are exposed and I dont have to remove anything to get to them.