2010 Toyota Highlander - PG5608EX 5.7k mi

[TrainingPolicy]

Just did an oil change on my 2010 Highlander and use the PG5608EX from Rock auto (https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=6839296&cc=1445187&pt=5340&jsn=17) the filter shows it has end caps on the photos but the one I received did not have end caps. Not sure what I think about the twisted media - either way I installed a Supertech 9972 as a replacement.

This filter was installed in March 2025 at 159,194 miles with ST 5w30 HM oil and was removed today July 2025 at 164,948 miles and replaced with the ST9972 and Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5w30 oil. So in total the filter ran 5,754 miles and roughly 4 months, the car is probably 80/20 city/highway, lots of red lights and short trips. Let me know your thoughts!

 

[ZeeOSix]

Those pleat waves are nothing to be concerned about ... many cartridge filters come out looking similar. It could have been slightly too long, or they distorted from use, but regardless it's not uncommon for cartridge filters.

 

[dnewton3]

I recently took out a Fram TG9972 from my wife's ES350. It looked nearly identical to that of your example; wavy pleats were uniform in their distribution and just compressed into waves of minimal impact. This is pretty much common for any of these applications which don't have a wire backing. I, too, consider it nothing to be concerned about.