1990 Jeep Cherokee Laredo

Question

do i need an oil filter wrench to take the old filter off and to tighten the new filter? or can i unscrew and tighten it by hand?

Answer 1

You may need a wrench or large pair of pliers to remove the filter. The gasket sealing the filter to the block sometimes gets heat bonded, and can be a bear.

Tighten the filter by hand only. It usually takes another 1/2 turn to firm it up. You may find that in 7500 miles, it won't come off by hand at all.

Hence, the filter wrench. Don't forget to put some oil on the gasket, it helps to loosen it later.

Answer 2

Over time the seal on the oil filter becomes bonded.  They can be hard to get off.  Either a wrench or oil filter socket (any auto parts store will have them for your size filter).  This makes it easier.  Many times there is not enough room to use the old wrench.  When putting the filter back on make sure you do not use the wrench or socket, it will cause damage to the seal.  Just hand tighten the filter, then give it another half turn.