A simple oil filter housing gasket replacement often runs $150 – $350, while replacing the entire housing assembly can cost $350 – $900. On luxury or performance vehicles with integrated oil coolers or tight packaging, totals can reach $900 – $1,500.
Typical costs:
- Gasket-only replacement: $150–$350 (parts $10–$50; labor 1–2.5 hrs)
- Housing assembly replacement: $350–$900 (parts $80–$300; labor 2–5 hrs)
- High-end/tight-access housings: $900–$1,500+
The Jerry app offers customers insights into their unique repair situation, helping drivers find the right repair at the right shop. Download the app to join other customers who’ve taken the hassle out of their repair experience.
Real customers Jerry helped
While pricing can vary based on different factors like location, parts used, and exact vehicle, Jerry uses real customer experiences to show what drivers are paying right now. Here are some examples of customers we’ve helped find their repairs at the right price.
Estimates are modeled based on real vehicle and location data; names have been changed. Actual prices will vary by shop, parts, and vehicle condition.
Cost breakdown: Why the price varies
Jerry helps customers find fair prices for repairs everyday, and pricing depends on a handful of parts, labor and vehicle factors:
Engine layout and access:
Easy-access housings may be 1.0–1.8 hours. Buried housings under intakes often take 2.5–4.0 hours.
Gasket vs. housing:
Gasket-only jobs are cheaper. Warped, cracked or plastic housings often require full replacement, adding $150–$500.
OEM vs. aftermarket:
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) typically costs $30–$150 more but offers better fit.
Labor rates:
Jerry customers will see $90–$180+/hr depending on region.
Cleanup:
Oil on belts, alternators or undertrays adds $50–$250.
Vehicle-specific quirks:
BMW N5x inline-sixes: Common for gasket leaks and belts can ingest into crank seal. Any oil-soaked belts need to be replaced.
FCA 3.6 Pentastar: Known for cracked plastic housings, so an aluminum upgrade is recommended. Intake removal adds labor.
VW/Audi 2.0T: Cooler seals harden; plan for extra cleaning and verify cooler integrity.
Pro tip: On cooler-integrated housings, inspect for coolant/oil “milkshake” contamination before driving.
The repair explained: What is an oil filter housing?
The oil filter housing secures the filter and directs oil through it. Depending on the design, it may:
- Bolt directly to the block with a gasket or O-ring.
- Add an auxiliary engine oil cooler to help regulate engine oil temperature.
- Secure important components (pressure relief valves, sensors and oil passages).
Because it sees constant pressure and heat cycles, gaskets harden and leak. Plastic housings can warp and crack, while aluminum housings may wear grooves into the gasket channel.
Your action plan: How to save money
Follow these steps to minimize cost and maximize reliability:
Confirm the leak:
Clean, add UV dye and recheck. Rule out valve cover, vacuum pump or timing cover before committing to be sure the issue is properly diagnosed.
Compare gasket vs. housing quotes:
Ask for photos or a straightedge check to justify a full housing replacement.
Bundle with oil service: Since the system is open, an oil and filter change is efficient to prevent duplicate labor costs in the future. Jerry’s pricing tools can help customers find the best rates for bundled services.
Upgrade parts:
For known-problem engines like Pentastar and BMW, choose updated aluminum housings or revised parts.
Get multiple quotes:
Ask which fluids, belts and cleanup are included. Look for warranty terms. Jerry has helped customers in this situation navigate pricing options.
Prevent collateral damage:
Replace oil-soaked belts and clean pulleys to prevent squeal or alternator issues.
What are signs that you need the oil filter housing (or gasket) replaced?
Here are the most common oil filter housing leak symptoms that Jerry customers may see:
- Visible fresh oil around the housing, block or under intake.
- Oil dripping onto the serpentine belt or alternator, sometimes with squealing or burning odor.
- Low oil level between changes.
- Burning oil smell or light smoke from the engine bay.
- Oil spots on the ground after parking overnight.
- Low oil pressure warning in severe cases.
DIY vs. Pro: Can I do this myself?
Oil filter housing repair is possible for confident DIYers with good access, but cleanliness and correct torque are critical. Jerry offers guidance on parts and labor comparisons to help customers make the right decision.
DIY checklist: Clean housing, verify leak with dye, follow torque sequence on a cold engine, replace oil/filter, degrease belt path and recheck after 24–48 hours.
Related repairs
Because the housing sits at the heart of the lubrication system, related services are often performed together. Here a few repairs that Jerry is seeing completed together:
- Oil and filter change: $40–$120
- Serpentine belt replacement: $75–$250 if oil-soaked
- Intake manifold gaskets: $50–$150 if intake is removed
- Oil cooler seals/cooler assembly: $80–$300 if leaking
- Engine bay cleaning: $30–$80 for degreasing
The Jerry app can help you price out these repairs ahead of time so you aren’t surprised at the shop if the technician recommends additional service.
What our customers are asking
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Can I drive with a leaking oil filter housing?
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How long does repair take?
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Do I need an oil change afterward?
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Why do housings fail repeatedly?
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Is the oil filter housing the same as the cap?
Beginning with Hot Wheels toys as a preschooler, Rocco’s lifelong passion for cars has taken him from high school occupational courses to decades of master mechanic experience in mobile, dealership and independent auto shops.
Rocco’s professional career began in 1997 with factory Ford training in San Diego. While gaining invaluable experience in dealerships and independent shops, he went forward to complete Toyota factory training and graduated from the Universal Technical Institute near Chicago in 2009.
In 2014, Rocco opened Rocco’s Mobile Auto Repair in California servicing Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties with both individual and fleet-based services. After years of success, Rocco shifted his work model from running a business to managing an independent automotive shop. Now in Tennessee, he focuses on training new technicians to be their best.
Steve Kaleff began working on cars at the very young age of nine years old, when his dad actually let him make fixes on the family car. Fast forward to the beginning of a professional career working at independent repair shops and then transitioning to new car dealerships. His experience was with Mercedes-Benz, where Steve was a technician for ten years, four of those years solving problems that no one could or wanted to fix. He moved up to shop foreman and then service manager for 15 years. There have been tremendous changes in automotive technology since Steve started his professional career, so here’s looking forward to an electric future!
Nick Wilson is an editor, writer, and instructor across various subjects. His past experience includes writing and editorial projects in technical, popular, and academic settings, and he has taught humanities courses to countless students in the college classroom. In his free time, he pursues academic research, works on his own writing projects, and enjoys the ordered chaos of life with his wife and kids.
*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.
