HST Filter Removal

[John E. Law]

Getting ready to do my 50 hour filter change on my L4802 HST. The HST filter is very beefy and has these spanner wrench slots on the base which leads me to believe this sucker is going to be on very tight. The manual does not refer to a special service tool for removal. Any recommendations on a good wrench or any tricks or tips getting these filter off?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

A good filter wrench!

 

[MOOTS]

Since this is the first filter change(gray filters), it will be tight and painted on. You can razor blade the paint and a good filter wrench/pliers should get it. Big set of channel locks may help.

 

[whitetiger]

A pair of channel lock 480 pliers or an air hammer.

 

[RCW]

I would try a good filter wrench first like @North Idaho Wolfman said.

I wouldn't worry about the slots unless necessary. Can be a spot to catch/tap with a screwdriver, if necessary.

Like @whitetiger said, big channel locks are REAL handy.

An air hammer would work but would be a last resort for me. Bad things can happen if you're not as adept using one. He's an expert mechanic, and I'm not......

My Kubota BX filters were tight, but not terrible.

Worst was a Harley Davidson. Bad spot right above voltage regulator......

 

[jimh406]

I’d try a strap wrench.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I 'cheated', made the 50hr service part of the deal for my BX23S.

 

[number two]

I used the air chisel method with a punch bit on the notches on a very difficult HST filter-L3540.
Filter was collapsing with the best of the many filter wrenches in my collection.
Good Luck!

 

[Runs With Scissors]

All good advice above.

Personally I would attack it as follows.

1. Cut paint with razor knife.
2. Attempt to use one of my many strap/cup style wrench's in no particular order.
3. Big ass Channel locks (at base not the end, they will crush the end)

4. Then, as a last resort, and because there is nothing left to grab onto, (you have basically destroyed the filter at this point..............)....... Air Chisel ......but be careful.

When I did my 2501 though, it came off pretty easy. I cut the paint, and my strap wrench had no problem taking it off.

 

[lugbolt]

air hammer. It takes longer to get it out of the toolbox than it does to get the filter loose with it.

 

[Ridger]

I just changed the oil and all filters on my L3940 HST. I used a large oil filter wrench shaped kind of like channel locks to take them off. I go back with hand tighten though. One tip....if you change the hydraulic filter, use the shop vac method (stick shop vac hose in hydraulic oil fill port) to keep from losing a lot of hydraulic oil.

 

[The Evil Twin]

What is the diameter of the filter? I probably have the correct spanner wrench in the shop. Looks identical to most shocks. The cheap wrenches are <$15

 

[mikester]

you can buy the size you need or get an assortment kit

 

[jyoutz]

I used a strap wrench and lots of grunt. For awhile I was sure it wasn’t going to come off, but eventually it moved.

 

[BBFarmer]

air hammer. It takes longer to get it out of the toolbox than it does to get the filter loose with it.

Yep. I'm quite surgical with mine. But like RCW said

Bad things can happen if you're not as adept using one.

My ban wrench definitely wasn't going to budge my HST filter.

A couple taps from big bertha with a long adapter however did.

But im always sure to switch to my small air hammer for proper installation

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Whatever method you use be careful ! If the filter 'breaks loose', you better have a LOT of bandaids real handy !

 

[rbargeron]

HST filters are pretty robust but they are usually not crazy tight. I've used a drift (like a blunt punch or heavy screwdriver) and a hammer on the ring lugs on the inner end of the filter, accessing a tangential shot from below or the side to turn it counterclockwise. Don't go full rhino at first, let the shocks break the paint line (If there is one) then increase the energy until it starts to turn off. Have your pan under it. Keep the fluid as clean as possible so it can be inspected for wear dust or particles.