PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
Oil Filter Housing Replacement Cost Estimate
Oil Filter Housing Replacement Cost Estimate
Worried you might overpay for your oil filter housing replacement? Use Jerry's GarageGuard™ to get fair cost estimate for your oil filter housing replacement.
Get Fair Repair Cost Estimate
No spam
Compare shops near you
Always know how much you should pay
John Davis
Expert Automotive Writer
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content
Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor
What's on this page?
- How much does it cost to replace an oil filter housing?
- Where can I get my oil filter housing replaced?
- How will the mechanic replace my oil filter housing?
- What happens if the oil filter housing fails?
- What does an oil filter housing do?
- Can I replace an oil filter housing myself?
- FAQs
- Meet Our Experts
Load full table of contents
How much does it cost to replace an oil filter housing?
The average total cost for an oil filter housing replacement is $170-$650. The exact price will depend on your vehicle’s year and model.
The parts cost includes a new oil filter housing, plus a new gasket, if the old one is damaged. As for labor costs, it takes around 3-4 hours for a certified mechanic to inspect your vehicle, determine whether a repair is necessary, and then perform the oil filter housing replacement.
How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.
How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.
See fair price estimates for popular cars
What do you need to replace an oil filter housing?
Engine oil keeps the many moving parts of your vehicle’s beating heart moving smoothly and without friction. Any dirt, dust, and debris in the oil could scratch up your car’s innards, which is why the oil filter is so important.
The oil filter is held in place by the oil filter housing, which must handle the pressure of recirculating around five quarts of engine oil multiple times each day.
If you don’t service your car soon enough, your total repair bill could include:
- A new oil filter housing ($50-$315): Along with an oil filter cap, the oil filter housing holds the oil filter in place so it can do its job. A cracked or leaking oil filter housing, besides allowing dirty oil to contaminate the engine, could result in low oil pressure. It can’t be fixed, only replaced.
- An oil filter housing gasket replacement ($1-$55): The oil filter housing gasket clamps the oil filter housing to the engine or cylinder head. It must maintain an airtight seal for the oil to flow. Like the housing, this part is prone to developing leaks and cracks after regular use.
- A new oil pressure sensor($4-$385): Seeing how important engine oil is, it’s equally important to know when you might run out. The oil pressure sensor relays information about your vehicle’s oil reserves to the onboard computer. If the pressure drops and your vehicle is in danger of overheating or grinding itself to pieces, the computer will activate a check oil engine light.
- The right engine oil($5-$150): Synthetic or conventional? SAE 0W-20 or 5W-30? Check your owner’s manual so you have the right lube for your engine, otherwise, you’ll hear (and smell) a lot of funny things under the hood.
Keep in mind: Replacing your engine oil filter housing might involve buying a fresh gasket, pressure sensor, and jug of engine oil at the same time.
Some reputable brands we recommend include Mann-Filter, Bosch, and ACDelco for reliable and quality oil filter housing part replacements. You can typically purchase these brands from retailers such as AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O'Reilly Auto Parts, both online and in-store. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle's specific year, make, and model.
MORE: Oil change cost
Should I buy an OEM or aftermarket oil filter housing unit?
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts cost a lot more than aftermarket parts, but they often come with a better warranty and other perks.
For example, Toyota Genuine Synthetic Motor Oil claims both to flow better and cleaner than the regular stuff. And if you have a certified Toyota mechanic install a Toyota oil filter housing in your car, you’ll get a 24-month/25,000-mile warranty.
Where can I buy parts for my oil filter housing replacement?
You can buy a new oil filter housing at automotive body and parts shops; at dealerships; or online at Amazon, AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, O'Reilly Auto Parts. If you prefer OEM parts, you can also try your vehicle manufacturer’s official website. BMW, Dodge, Jeep, and just about every other car maker sell OEM parts online. Check your owner’s manual for any specifications before you shop.
Where can I get my oil filter housing replaced?
Jerry streamlines
car insurance shopping
into one easy download. Now, Jerry's GarageGuard™
is here to do the same for comparing auto repair shops!You can compare auto repair shop prices for oil filter housing replacements—including diagnostics, parts, and real hourly labor rates—so there are no surprises at the checkout. With a nationwide network of 2,500 vetted garages, you’ll know your car is in the right hands!
Check out the app and our vetted shops below.
163 Reviews
Velasquez Auto Care - Hampton
7623 W Hampton Ave, Milwaukee, WI
Oil Filter Housing Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$343
(Parts - $317, Labor - $26)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$35177 Reviews
54th Street Auto Center
415 W 54th St, New York, NY
Oil Filter Housing Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$357
(Parts - $317, Labor - $40)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$191123 Reviews
Zimmerman Automotive LLC
7638 Airpark Rd A, Great Falls, VA
Oil Filter Housing Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$346
(Parts - $317, Labor - $29)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$50127 Reviews
Ingleside Auto & Tire Care
34811 N Wilson Rd, Ingleside, IL
Oil Filter Housing Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$356
(Parts - $317, Labor - $39)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$0How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.
How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.
How will the mechanic replace my oil filter housing?
Performing an oil filter housing replacement requires some special equipment, detailed schematics, and moderate skills. When you take your vehicle into the shop, the mechanic will:
- Inspect any engine oil leaks and diagnose the problem
- Lift the car and remove other engine components to access the oil filter housing
- Drain the engine oil into an oil pan
- Unbolt, unmount, and unseal the housing, and replace it with a new one
- Add fresh engine oil until the oil level is full
- Release any fuel system pressure and drain the oil cooler
- Remove the lower intake manifold, disconnect the oil thermostat, and the oil pressure sensor
- Fit the coolant hose to the new oil filter housing unit
- Reconnect the sensors and manifolds and fill the oil cooler with fresh fluid
What happens if the oil filter housing fails?
Your engine's oil filter housing is crucial for circulating clean oil through your engine block, so you should replace a faulty unit as soon as possible.
If you wait too long, you risk:
- Engine damage: Dirty, contaminated oil will introduce dirt and debris into your vehicle engine, scratching and damaging every part it contacts.
- Low oil pressure: If a leak develops in the filter housing, more often than not, all your oil will simply leak away. Without lubrication, your car engine could smash itself to pieces.
- Engine failure: Your car engine could seize or choke if there’s a sudden drop in oil pressure.
What does an oil filter housing do?
Most vehicles use an oil filter housing to secure the oil filter in place. The housing must be airtight and free of leaks so the oil is forced to pass through the filter before it reaches the engine. To make oil and filter changes easier, the housing is usually located on the side or top of the engine.
When the oil filter housing is cracked or impacted and engine oil starts to leak, the oil filter housing will have to be replaced. In this service, the mechanic assesses the oil filter housing and determines if it needs to be replaced.
How do you know if your oil filter housing is leaking?
Common signs that you may need to replace your oil filter housing include:
- An oil change light or check engine light
- Engine oil leaks on the ground underneath your vehicle
- Low oil pressure or a low oil pressure warning light
- A crack or deformation in the oil filter housing
The bottom line: Don’t ignore leaks, lights, and low oil pressure—you don’t want to know what happens if you ignore a faulty oil filter housing for too long!
How often should I replace the oil filter housing in my car?
The oil filter housing is intended to last your vehicle’s lifetime, so there’s no set expiry date. For that reason, it’s a good idea to get regular oil changes; that way, you can spot any problems before they become serious. Start checking for engine oil leaks when you look at the dipstick, too.
Can I replace an oil filter housing myself?
Oil changes are easy, but you might not be able to replace the oil filter housing yourself. Different car makes put the housing and gasket in different places; they might also have different ways of dismantling it. Given that you need a lift, a trained eye for detail, and three to four hours to change an oil filter housing, you might want to skip the DIY.
FAQs
How serious is an oil filter housing leak?
An oil filter housing leak can quickly turn into a serious problem. It means your vehicle’s turbo engine is probably being degraded by dirty and contaminated engine oil and that you’re losing vital lubricant. Ignore the problem for long enough and your engine could seize.
What causes an oil filter housing to leak?
Long wear, improper installation, or extreme conditions can cause an oil filter housing to leak. Best-case scenario, you've had your older vehicle for a decade, and the oil filter housing is just starting to fail. If you just serviced it, maybe the mechanic installed the wrong size filter or didn't thread the screws properly. Easy fix—just take it back to the garage.
Worst-case scenario, desert heat or arctic cold have warped or cracked your housing. In this case, the gasket, hoses, and coolant lines might also have sustained damage, which could prove costly to fix.
Why is my oil filter housing leaking after replacement?
The most common source of leakage after an oil filter housing replacement is an improperly-installed oil filter gasket. It might be the wrong size or the mechanic might have failed to completely remove the old rubber o-ring before installing a new one. Whatever the reason, take your car to a garage before you lose too much oil.
Meet Our Experts
John Davis
Car Expert
Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience
John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.
Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.
Jessica Barrett
Car Expert
Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.
Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.
Kathleen Flear
Car Expert
Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.
*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.