2014 Lexus GX 460 DIY Oil and Filter Change

Again, why pay more when you can do it for less?! For my first time changing the oil and filter on this GX460 it took me 2 hours. There was a slight learning curve, but overall it was very easy. Lexus would charge upwards of $120 for this service where I was able to complete it for $60. If you have any questions or comments leave them down below. Thanks!
Tools used:
Motivx 64mm oil filter wrench coupled with a 3/8" ratchet.
Link for Motivxtools: www.motivxtools.com/collectio...
Sockets needed: 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm
Oil and Filter used:
Mobil 1 0W20 Advanced Fuel Economy
Fram XG10158

[@johneldorado]

18 ft lbs is the torque spec for the oil filter housing from the factory service manual. 30 ft lbs is the oil drain plug

[@TheNonnell]

Sounds right. Thanks!

[@bruced.370]

thank you!! Other peoples' videos skip steps or don't cover the questions i was going to ask. Like what's the small O-ring or small plastic part for and my panel doesn't release just swings, etc. You have helped me answer those. thx

[@TheNonnell]

You’re welcome. Glad the video was helpful.

[@lalley120]

Great video! Saved me a ton of time. Thank you

[@TheNonnell]

You’re welcome! Thanks for sharing

[@cheneybros]

yeah, I had the same concern when I pulled the oil filter from my 2011 GX460, it only had the large gasket...but I had a 2016 4Runner and the oil filter is vertical (instead of horizontal for GX) and you would screw that clear tube into the bottom of the filter and it drains the oil out of the filter first...which was very nice feature. AND YES, my oil filter must have been torqued on instead of slightly tighten. It took me numerous times to finally get it loose. Cheers!

[@TheNonnell]

I’ve seen vehicles with vertical filters and the ability to drain them. I would prefer that as these horizontal filters can get messy. Thanks for the comment!

[@gipstetz6720]

Love the vid. Super helpful. Just picked up a Gx460 this past weekend. And really like doing the work on my vehicles too. Will you be posting more GX videos in the future? Also...how do you guys like yours? Any issues? Thanks again.

[@TheNonnell]

Glad it helped! Yes, we love our GX, but don't like the dealership maintenance prices. We haven't had any issues. It has been a very reliable vehicle. The mileage on the GX is currently at 116K. Also, I have a few videos lined up for maintenance. Videos in the pipeline are: front rotors and pads, rear pads, front and rear differential service, transfer case service (with Toyota liquid gold gear oil), and spark plugs.

[@tommynguyen5671]

I love you did the job

[@TheNonnell]

Thanks! I appreciate it. More videos to come on the GX.

[@lewisdundas1281]

On the issue of not being able to remove the front skid plate / engine guard, if you put your GX460 up on jack stands to rotate your tires when doing the oil change, since both need to be done at 5000 mile intervals, the hooks that support the front of the skid plate will come our easily. You just have to have sufficient ground clearance. Good video, it helped me a lot to get started.

[@TheNonnell]

Thanks. Yeah, I dunno about that skid plate. I’ve had good ground clearance in the past and it doesn’t want to budge. Might be something specific with ours. It moves out of the way enough for what I need though. You change your oil every 5k? Thanks for the comment.

[@mitchnn]

This car was design not to let people who do not have a hydraulic lift to raise the car up at least 4 ft. (no shade tree mechanic allowed). Lexus want our money, so they design the skid plate not come off useless it is at 90 degree to the ground. This hinge are design that way. That why it take 2 hours and be a contortionist. I fixed my car by shorten (grid down the tip) the hinge clip so that it will slide out of the hole clamp. I don't believe there are any safety here issue since skid plate held in by the bolts.. Now it take me 30 minutes to change oil and filter. Still stupidity for long compare to average car oil change. I regret buying this Lexus.

[@TheNonnell]

@@mitchnn Definitely not ideal that's for sure. Sounds like you've found a decent work around. Thanks for the tip.

[@bluethundar]

@@mitchnn I am looking to buy a 2022 or 2023 GX. Now I don't think I will, simply because of this. For the last 10 years I've always do my own oil changes on all my cars. Thanks for this info!

[@mitchnn]

@@bluethundar FYI mine is 2019. Not sure what has changed since. You welcome.

[@JB88-]

Thanks!

[@TheNonnell]

Anytime!

[@njsongwriter]

The oil filter cap wrench you're using is the best one for the job and has the best reviews on Amazon. Yes you don't need the small o-ring or the service pipe cause your oil filter cap is mounted horizontally and does not have a drain on it. And the torque for the oil filter cap should be right on the oil filter cap. 25 N•m (18 lb.ft). One more thing... I don't know if you used an OEM filter or not but the instructions that come with the OEM Toyota filter say not to use tools to remove the o-ring. I believe the concern is with damaging threads on that plastic oil filter cap or the groove the o-ring fits in that could cause leaks over time. Just use caution. (Oh, that's right you used the high end Fram filter).

[@TheNonnell]

Whoa! Thanks for the info. I didn’t notice those specs on the oil filter housing but next time I change it I’ll check and see. It’s the OEM housing so I’d assume it is on there if it’s suppose to be. This is one of the reasons I like making videos bc there is always someone that knows more than what I do. I know this helps me build my knowledge and hopefully it’ll help someone else too. Thanks again!

[@njsongwriter]

@@TheNonnell That oil filter cap wrench has now been redesigned and the new one has no slots on it. It's precision made simply to use on the fluted part of the oil filter cap at 64.3 mm and seems to still be the best choice available. You don't need tools to remove the o-ring kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYOUfICEZt6maaM

[@Shawn-ky2tw]

The reason they tell you not to use tools to remove the o-ring is in case you scratch the surface that the o-ring sits on the filter cap. It could cause a pinhole leak under pressure. I use a screwdriver and carefully just to grab the o-ring and not scratch the surface. If you can't get out with your fingers, another reliable way would be to use a plastic tool which would be much safer than a metal one.

[@captjohnclark]

That's why I started doing it myself they torqued the housing so tight I broke it getting off

[@TheNonnell]

You’re not the first person that’s told me that. Apparently it happens a lot.

[@tomthomas4683]

Why did you need a crush washer? That would have been nice to know. I assume that it was for the drain plug… although I’ve never run across that, before.

[@TheNonnell]

It calls for a crush washer. There are specific kinds they use. I’m not sure the material but it’s like an aluminum center with a rubber texture on both sides. I’ve used other washers before and it had a slow leak at the drain plug. When I get home I’ll look up the kind I use and let you know.

[@TheNonnell]

Alright. I believe I bought these off of RockAuto.com. They're relatively inexpensive and you get 25 of them in a box. They're listed as an "oil drain plug gasket", "aluminum with teflon coating". The manufacturer I bought was Dorman. Hope that helps.

[@freezerlunik]

Thanks for the video! I like doing my own oil changes, but find it difficult to dispose of the used oil. Where do you all dispose of your old oil? Just leaving behind the dumpster of a Canadian Tire store seems like very bad tone, and they've stopped accepting old fluids at most places I know that sell new fluid...

[@TheNonnell]

Hey! I dispose of my used oil at Autozone, Advance Auto, or O’Reillys. Not sure if you have any of those where you’re located. They’re chill about it. I take my oil and let them know it needs to be disposed. They take my jugs to dump them and if I need my containers back they are accommodating with my request. Overall, very easy process. Thanks for the comment!

[@iwinvarma]

Hey, What are the torque specs for drain plug and oil filter? I couldn’t find it in the owner’s manual or I may be blind.

[@TheNonnell]

Hey! Someone left a comment earlier that the oil filter housing was 18 ft/lbs and that it should be written on the housing. I didn’t notice it last time but I will look for it the next time I change my oil. As far as the oil drain plug I’m not 100%, but they are usually 25-30 ft/lbs. Personally, I don’t torque the drain plug. I get it snug and call it a day. Never had any issues in any of my vehicles. Hope this helps.

[@iwinvarma]

Thank you ! That helps

[@njsongwriter]

25 N•m or 18 ft lbs. on the oil filter cap 12.5 N•m if 10 ft.lbs. on the oil filter drainbolt 30 ft.lbs on the oil pan drainplug.

[@gatsbylee2773]

oh. you didn't lift your car at all? if so, was there enough clearance space for you to complete the task?

[@TheNonnell]

I would recommend putting jack stands to lift the front in order to have more clearance to drop down the front under body cladding. It makes it so much easier. The tray swings down after the bolts have been removed. Someone commented that they cut those tabs off that allow it to swing, so it would be removable. I haven’t done that, so I place jack stands now to give me more room.

[@marcoslaborde7016]

Would the ramps work in getting enough clearance?

[@TheNonnell]

I haven't tried it with ramps, but if your ramps allowed 8-12 inches extra height then I assume you would be alright. My jack stands at maximum height are 16 inches. I could do the job with less than that clearance, but it definitely makes it easier.

[@coltonsgarage4732]

Does work with ramps

[@LogMahal]

How many miles until you’ll change it again with synthetic. Manual says 7500-10k and the oil change place said 4-5k. I know I need to check it myself to see if it’s dirty. But they seemed to way undershoot the time. I won’t be paying $120 ever again. That’s for sure.

[@TheNonnell]

Since we’ve owned this GX we have changed it every 10k. We bought it with about 70k miles and have almost 155k on it now. I’ve never had any issues with it and I always get the same amount of oil out that I put in. This is probably the most efficient engine I’ve seen with not using/burning oil. That’s pretty impressive to drain the same amount you put in after 10k. I’ve never had another vehicle do that. Hope that helps.

[@pwhittyp5365]

Every other country besides the usa specs 5w30 up to 20w50 for the gx460. ALSO 5K mile intervals. It's called epa tyranny

[@tonyp909]

Do you know to the PN for the aluminum housing upgrade, the plastic one intends to break the fins after a few changes?

[@TheNonnell]

Hey! Great question. I did find this on the internet, although I haven't made a purchase myself. It seems to be easier to find the aluminum housing covers for Toyota vehicles instead of Lexus, which is usually the case. This is what I found: Engine Oil Filter Cover (Dorman - OE Solutions) Part Number: 917-016

[@Shawn-ky2tw]

I would STRONGLY recommend not to get a metal housing. There is a bypass valve built into the OEM filter cap. Car Care Nut has a video explaining and strongly urging everyone not to get the metal ones. If that bypass valve with spring do not EXACTLY operate like the OEM filter (proven, calibrated pressure) then you are risking way way to much (for example early bypass or no bypass, blowing the filter into your oil system). Sure, some have been successful, but will that be for 10-20 years? It's fibre reinforced plastic. Live comfortably with the OEM filter housing. It is the best one out there for your car.

[@jinheu5119]

Did u have to jack the front up to get access to oil filter

[@TheNonnell]

Yes. Without the under body panel coming off I had to use jack stands to get the clearance I needed to access the oil filter.

[@briansimon1263]

@@TheNonnell This is good to know, I was actually hoping I wouldn't have to worry about jacking it up, need to see what my ramps are rated at actually. Used them back when I had my is350 but been a while.

[@TheNonnell]

@@briansimon1263 Agreed. Putting it up on stands is more time consuming then I'd like, but if your ramps are strong enough that would be a great alternative.

[@jorgeperalta7714]

How often have to chanche the oil i have 2014 rx 350 lexus

[@TheNonnell]

@@jorgeperalta7714 I change the oil at the recommended 10k mile interval. Most Lexus models are every 10k miles, but reference your owners manual for exact mileage. Hope that helps.

[@joshtumblin5893]

I would definitely get a wix oil filter if you can’t get a Toyota/Lexus one

[@TheNonnell]

I've seen Wix before but I've never really looked into them that much. You feel they're better overall in regards to price and quality? Thanks

[@joshtumblin5893]

@@TheNonnell definitely I used to use Fram as well but it’s best to use oem filters that were designed for your engine fram allows way more particles through

[@whoeverwhoever400]

It should be a crime for designing cars that take 200 steps just to change oil

[@TheNonnell]

Yes, it would be nicer if they were more accessible. I understand why Lexus/Toyota designed the GX in the manner they did since it is meant for off road, but a huge percentage of owners will never use it for that intended purpose. Probably great if you're a dealership, but not so great if you're a DIYer.

[@PhilipGragg]

You say you saved $60, but might be different. For example, if the dealership only spends $20 on oil because of their national contract, or other discount, they spend $100 on labor. I think ultimately it comes down to how much you value your time. If your time is worth $30/hour, then I'd say you came out even. Either way, it's unfortunate dealerships/oil change places don't have multiple brands to choose from the way you can choose your preferred soda in a drive-thru.

[@TheNonnell]

Hey. Yeah, I see your point; however, the peace of mind I get changing it myself is priceless. In the end that’s all that matters to me. Thanks.

[@pole_barn_builder]

How do you value your time? If you have the dealership do it, you have to wait for it. The inconvenience of having to drop it off and find a way to get back to it. Its 10000 times better to do it yourself

[@Big_pl65]

Great video but for time and effort you showed, it is cheaper for me to just have dealer do it based on labor rates.

[@TheNonnell]

True. It does require a bit of time. All about personal preference for sure.

[@sonnycruz7032]

@@TheNonnell and like you I prefer to do it myself to ensure it’s done correctly. My GX oil was changed by the dealerships up until the last change (free up to that point) and they trashed an oil filter cap and drain plug.

[@TheNonnell]

@@sonnycruz7032 It's amazing how they're supposed to be the experts with exceptional attention to detail and I hear stories like this all the time. It's no wonder why people are performing more maintenance on their own instead of going to a dealer.

[@ababababeebababa]

True, I spent an elapsed 4 hours, but that was largely spent waiting for the oil to drip out and cleaning my messy garage. I needed to use a little catch bucket for removing the oil filter housing. Since I didn't have one, I let it drip out which took forever and was messsy. Whomever did it before me stripped one of the 12mm bolts on the skid plate and lost the other one. Pro work == mistakes you don't know about.

[@casinogeno1]

How on earth does this take 2 hours?!?!? I litterally just did mine in 15 minutes with a floor jack.

[@TheNonnell]

That’s awesome. Congrats man. 👍

[@mitchnn]

This car was design not to let people who do not have a hydraulic lift to raise the car up at least 4 ft. to change oil (no shade tree mechanic allowed to compete for their business). Lexus want our money, so they design the skid plate not come off unless it is open at 90 degree to the ground. This hinges are design that way to make life hard for owner who want to change oil themself.. That why it take 2 hours and be a contortionist to do it.. I fixed my car by shorting the tip of the 2 front hinge clip (grind down the hinge tip) so that it will slide out of the hole clamp without needing to be at 90 degree. I don't believe there are any safety here issue since skid plate are held in by the bolts.. Now it take me 30 minutes to change oil and filter. Still stupidly long compare to average car oil change, but still better than spending 2 hours. I regret buying this Lexus. A $150 for an oil change?!!

[@TheNonnell]

Agreed. Not the easiest to work on. Looks like you found a decent work around. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@timmoulis4227]

Don’t do a how to video until you know what you are doing!!

[@TheNonnell]

😂

[@oozlovervdxp]

Looks like you’re military?

[@TheNonnell]

You are correct. How about yourself?

[@oozlovervdxp]

@@TheNonnell same. I recognized that shirt lol

[@TheNonnell]

Indeed. When I’m home I rock that shirt probably over 90% of the time. I wear it a lot more then my wife would prefer.

[@j-g9463]

@@oozlovervdxp I thought the same considering I have a bunch of coyote brown t-shirts 😂

[@jinheu5119]

Ps u can go to Toypta dealership they can do same job for like 50$

[@TheNonnell]

When we first bought the Lexus we thought about getting service at Toyota, but the dealerships we spoke to did not instill a lot of confidence in us. Also, I don’t see how a dealership would do a full synthetic oil change for $50 on this type of vehicle. I haven’t found that to be true; however, for facts sake, I’ll call around Monday and get estimates.

[@jinheu5119]

The Nonnell I have all three Lexus is before my 2019 GX 460 I have always got my service done at my local Toyota dealership same car same parts Lexus just overcharges

[@TheNonnell]

Called 3 Toyota dealerships today and you're right, they do come up cheaper, but the knowledge for my vehicle wasn't there. At one place they asked if it was a four or six cylinder. Also, the prices they gave me were estimates, stating they would have to contact a Lexus dealership to see what they charge for oil and filter. So, the prices ranged (estimated prices) from $65-$86. I'll stick with performing my own oil change service. At the end of the day its whatever makes you comfortable. Thanks Jin.

[@jinheu5119]

The Nonnell That’s funny cause they are sister car for a Toyota for the GX is the tundra same engine same everything

[@jinheu5119]

Lexus is just a glorified version of Toyota trucks and cars

[@christschool]

Appreciate the video, but after watching this, it isn't worth doing my self to save $60.

[@TheNonnell]

No problem. Completely understandable. For the extra money, convenience is nice. I will say that our local Lexus dealership only offers Valvoline oil and I prefer Mobil 1. That is another reason why I decided to start changing the oil. Just a preference thing.

[@christschool]

@@TheNonnell Doing it yourself brings rewards for many people beyond just the money. I can understand that. For instance, I like to build furniture rather than buy it. However, overall its cheaper for me to buy it than build it myself. But its the journey rather than the destination that is important for me in regards to furniture.

[@aportilla007]

Doing it yourself, you can use Royal Purple (or Amsoil) and a high quality filter, which will last 10K+ between intervals - plus give you maximum protection. You wont get that at the dealership. They want you there every 2K. Dealer cost $120x5 = $600. Yourself $120x1 = $120.

[@christschool]

@@aportilla007 Mine has been trouble free at 100k miles and dealer cost for the Lexus is low anyway. I have a Ferrari, Lexus service is cheap cheap compared to Ferrari.

[@FissionChips1983]

My issue is that I live in the sticks, so my nearest Toyota or Lexus dealer is over an hour away. The quick lube places around here as sketchy too. So being able to handle this myself is a necessity. Thanks for the video.