How do you change the oil filter on a 2008 Nissan Altima?

Answer 1

The oil filter on a 2008 Nissan Altima is located behind the right front wheel, covered by an easily-removed access panel. If the car is up on ramps you can reach behind and under the tire and get to the oil filter, but it's a squeeze. It's easier to lift the car on jack stands and either turn the steering all the way to the right or remove the wheel. If you have an impact wrench, removing the wheel is quick and makes the filter change very convenient. You can get an inexpensive impact wrench at most auto supply houses. The inexpensive ones either plug into the car battery or use rechargeable batteries, and can be purchased for around $70. Mine is from the J.C. Whitney catalog. Or if you have an air compressor, an impact wrench is a fairly inexpensive tool. Before removing the filter, drain the oil from the oil pan - this will minimize the amount of oil that drips out of the oil filter when you remove it. Behind the wheel towards the front of the car, the inside fender skirt is removeable and is held in by 5 plastic clips. Pull the center of the clip out (easier with a screwdriver, shown below) and then remove the clip. Once you remove the skirt, you'll see the oil filter. There is only about an inch between the bottom of the oil filter and the frame. If you want to avoid spilling oil on the frame, slip a tray of some sort underneath the oil filter. Remove the filter. First just "crack" the seal about 1/4 inch to relieve the pressure and let it sit for 30 seconds or so - this will reduce the amount of oil that leaks out. You should be able to unscrew the oil filter with your hand if it was installed properly. However, some shops screw the filter on very tightly, so you may need an oil-filter wrench to get it off. Replace the oil filter with a new one. Put some new oil on the gasket on the bottom of the filter. Remember you only have to tighten it about 1/2 to 3/4 turn after the gasket hits the base plate. Replace the fender skirt, inserting the clips and locking them into place by pressing the center button. Put the tire back on and you're finished! (except for properly disposing of the used oil of course).