In 20 years of changing oil, this RL has been the most difficult car I have ever had to change. This is the second time I have tried to change it and the second time I haven't had any luck. The drain plug will not come off, turning it counter-clockwise. I had the car jacked up with good access, but no luck, won't come off and the head of the bold is starting to round over.

I get free oil changes at the dealer, but it's 30 miles away and it's not what I want to do on Sat morning, but now have no choice.

BTW, I also tried to take the tire off to get better access and no luck with those lugs either, literally the lug wrench was starting to bend even with a breaker bar on it.

What's up with the torque specs on this car, unbelievable.

 

Sounds like you are way over torqued. My dealer sets all the sticks to 90, which is close enough. Manual says 94 lbs-ft

 

The torque on the drain bolt is 34 pounds, should be easy, someone may have over torqued it.

Nothing wrong with the specs.

 

I torque the lugs on my porsche to 90 and have no trouble getting them off with a 1/2" ratchet so I know it's not me that's the problem (though my wife will probably take issue with that). Firestone last rotated the tires so can't blame the dealer on this one. I wasn't kidding when I said the lug wrench was starting to bend, it was that tight...hope I don't get a flat.

As for the drain plug, no way it was torqued to 34 lb/ft. I think that because it has a crush washer on it, some of these guys think they can torque it down more. I'll have to let the dealer know when I take it in to back off on the drain plug and to re-torque the wheel lugs properly.

 

Yea, places like Firestone use the impact wrenches, sometimes with no regard for torque settings. I have had lug bolts actually snap on other cars because it was over torqued so much.

 

Get one of these

 

very cool, where do you get it? Not sure there is enough clearance on the RL.

 

http://www.quickoildrainvalve.com/Pr...oductCode=F106

Don't worry about clearance. The arm is spring loaded and you physically have to push it down and to the left/right to get it to drain. Get the F-106 without the nipple. I have used it for close to 8 years now and never had a problem with it even with the cars lowered

 

I changed my '06's oil today in about 10 minutes. Same oil, filter and procedure as my MDX. I actually was surprised at how easy it was and was able to get the Mobil 1 oil and top Fram filter for under $30.00. Cheaper than taking it somewhere and worrying about how they're treating the car...

 

Try to AVOID Fram oil filters at any cost!!! If you wonder why, search on the Internet and you'll find out.

 

Yeah, I'm glad I spent the extra $2.50 on the Extra Guard filter versus the stock Fram. I think I'll be OK but will go with Mobil 1 or WIX next time.

 

I meant Fram Xtended Guard filter, not Extra Guard.