Oil filter housing query

[Bearings]

I was replacing my small radiator fan last week and noticed some oil residue on the engine undercover tray which appears to have dripped down from the oil filter housing. I wiped the housing clean, put the undercover tray back in place, and now need to go back and investigate closer as I've noticed  the car is now leaving a oil stain on my driveway.

At the risk of asking an obvious question... If it is the oil filter housing that is weeping oil and it needs replacing - can I just drain the filter and remove the filter housing to replace with a new housing / seal and filter without emptying the entire oil contents of the sump, etc? The car was serviced back in April so I've no desire to drain the entire oil contents if I don't have to.

I think the part number is 06D115408B for the filter housing if you want to google the part I am talking about, but will get VW to confirm when I get a price from them.

Thanks in advance...

[The Red Warrior]

Yes, you can. The housing is notorious for breaking so maybe when your car was serviced it cracked.
There is a special vw tool that screws into the bottom after removing the cap for removing the oil in the housing, that you don't need. Just push in the centre with an Allen key etc or just remove the entire housing with it still full of oil. Either way, have something underneath to catch all the oil. There will be about a cup full.
You'll need a 36mm socket to remove the housing. You could use a spanner but I suspect that is how many people stuff them up.

Mine never broke but I have already replaced it with an ECS Tuning billet aluminium housing.

[Bearings]

Great, thanks for responding.

Now.... let's hope it stops raining by this evening! 

[S2 Ant]

As above, its a nice easy thing to replace, just dont go crazy when you do it up afterwards... it doesnt need to be super tight.
Just make sure you're not under it looking up when it comes undone as you might end up with oil in your face ;)

[Bearings]

The actual oil filter housing itself looks ok. it looks more damp a little higher than the housing so it might be coming from the oil filter unit mounting gaskets based on what I've been reading on the internet. I've wiped down as much as I could so I will check it again in a few days. Bit of light reading here - http://www.vwforum.com/forums/f14/oil-leak-housing-above-oil-filter-46420/

I've also noticed the sump was a little damp on the rear driver side around the gasket point, and the driveshaft/gearbox seal is more damp on the driver side than the passenger side which was bone dry so possibly the beginnings of a bad seal there.

Think I'm reaching the end of my DIY skills at this point so I'll get my local indie to inspect it and see what they say. If the sump has to come off, then at least it's an opportunity to get the oil pickup inside the sump inspected and cleaned / replaced.

Bit frustrating as I was planning to book a Stage 1 remap very soon but no point in doing that with the above issues happening.

Thanks for all the advice so far!

[grey golfster]

I think Red W is on to something with the socket v spanner point.

I've seen people attack these with a shifter! Sure to end badly.

As there is very little load on it, a cheapo 36mm  6 flat socket off ebay will do fine. Think I had an "impact" 6 flat for £5 ish?
The 6 flats spread the load on the filter housing nicely.

[pudding]

If only VW had put a torque rating on the filter housing.......

[Tazocin]

If only VW had put a torque rating on the filter housing.......

What is the torque rating then? 

[pudding]

100lbft + 90 degrees 

[Bearings]