Are Fram Extra Guard filters still decent?

[OilyGuy]

I've seen a lot of comments regarding First Brands reducing the quality of the Ultra Guard, Titanium, and Endurance since taking over some years ago. What I haven't heard is much talk on how the Extra Guard is doing these days.

Has the EG changed for the worse since First Brands took over? I'm mostly interested in hearing about the spin on filter.

I've always used EG for 10k mile or less changes with seemingly no issues. I'm curious if using them is still a wise choice.

 

[dnewton3]

I've been a previous fan of the EG series, but of late, I'm very skeptical. Actually, skeptical of just about any brand these days ... Don't trust what I cannot see, after so many failed examples posted on this site.

The caveat would be cartridge filters, as they are easily examined prior to install. I've used the EG & TG 9972 filters in my various Lexus applications. Generally found those to be well made.

 

[Lubener]

I never had any problems using them.

 

[fantastic]

I've seen a lot of comments regarding First Brands reducing the quality of the Ultra Guard, Titanium, and Endurance since taking over some years ago. What I haven't heard is much talk on how the Extra Guard is doing these days.

Has the EG changed for the worse since First Brands took over? I'm mostly interested in hearing about the spin on filter.

I've always used EG for 10k mile or less changes with seemingly no issues. I'm curious if using them is still a wise choice.

There are better filters but if you decide to use EG you might as well use the Super Tech version if you can save enough $. Sometimes they're only a $0.75 difference & the EG may have the silicon ADBV but other than that they're making some the exact same media wise. If you want to see what filters has shown consistent quality just do a search on here, it's been repeated many times.

 

[blufeb95]

The caveat would be cartridge filters, as they are easily examined prior to install. I've used the EG & TG 9972 filters in my various Lexus applications. Generally found those to be well made.

In general the quality of cartridge filters should be considered per application as they seem to come from all over the place depending on the particular cartridge, for GM I'd typically avoid any paper cartridge except the OEM (as in the manufacturer of the housing, not necessarily AC Delco) filter or a wire backed filter as GM cartridges are the worst about twisting.

 

[sxg6]

I was thinking about using one a few months back, and decided against it after coming across one of whip city wrencher’s vids. He cut open a used one where the media was easy to pull off the metal end caps (7:30 below). I know e-cores have been around a long time, but I’m a bit hesitant on those too.

 

[ZeeOSix]

With the tight fit in the end caps, while in compression from the leaf spring I doubt there's any oil leakage between the glue ring and end cap. That black potting material was real flexible too.