How do they expect this filter to last forever?

[rcy]

The filter in question is the the transmission filter on my 2001 Subaru Outback. It's an external spin on filter. From the factory, it is a Tokyo Roki LFS706. According to Subaru, this filter never needs to be changed. I just changed mine at 100 000 kilometres. It was spun on so tight, I had to use the screwdriver through the filter trick to remove it. Part of the base of the filter had actually rusted to the mounting plate. It's kind of pointless to cut it open, since it's been rammed with the screwdriver.

Anyway, I was wondering how Subaru expects this filter to last the life of the vehicle? Wouldn't the filter media, bypass valve, adbv degrade over time?

I replaced this filter with a Wix/NAPA gold 1365.

 

[dommiel74]

I'm guessing its like lifetime fluids: "good for the life of the vehicle or X miles, whatever come first".

 

[RF Overlord]

"Lifetime" filters, just like "lifetime" fluids are meant to last the lifetime of the warranty, then they become your problem.

Not to get too far off topic, but the word "lifetime" when applied to a vehicle is a marketing gimmick meant to suck people in with the promise of never having to open the hood or spend a dime on maintenance. The manufacturer's only concern is having the part(s) last just long enough to go off-warranty.

 

[zonestar]

I wish my vehicle had an external spin on transmission filter. I would change it every couple of years even it was "lifetime" rated.

 

[Gary Allan]

Quote:

---

I wish my vehicle had an external spin on transmission filter. I would change it every couple of years even it was "lifetime" rated.

---

Install one. Something like a Magnafine if the room is tight. If you have more, get any variety of remote/stand alone mounts that are available in everything from bona fide hydraulic filters to common automotive filters.

 

[glenncof]

Yup, good for the life of the transmission...when it self destructs it's time for a new filter !

Actually changing the fluid is much more important. I'm doing fluid refresh (not flush) every 30K miles; ~50% comes out so it takes x4-5 changes to get near 100% replacement.

 

[porcupine73]

This ATF filter doesn't necessarily degrade over time because it is not (or shouldn't be!) subject to gasoline in the fluid.

Its purpose is to catch clutch material shreddings and other particles before they have a chance to clog up the in-tank radiator cooler. Some early 90's Subaru's had an issue with this and Subaru had a retrofit filter kit available.

Nonetheless, I change that external spin on filter periodically since it is inexpensive and easy to get at.

 

[Titan]

I have two Subaru, both with the filter. I drain/fill my ATF in them every 7500-15000 miles...get about 4 quarts out. I thought I'd change out that filter at about 50000 miles...it's not hard to reach, and it's less than 5.00 to put a decent one back on. Can't hurt!

 

[turbochem]

Quote:

---

Wouldn't the filter media, bypass valve, adbv degrade over time?

---

Sounds like a good reason to cut it open to me......

 

[porcupine73]

I don't think the filter has an ADBV. Not even sure it has a bypass. It's more of a hydraulic filter. I cut my old one open but I can't remember. IFIK it's the gasoline in the engine oil that degrades the media?

 

[Gary Allan]

The filter Wix spec's for the 1995 Legacy transmission is a passenger car oil filter.


zoom

Part Number: 51365
UPC Number: 765809513655
Principal Application: Ford (92-97), Honda (00-07), Infiniti/Nissan (95-07), Mazda (97-07), Mercury (91-96), Saab (05-06), Subaru (88-07), Cub Cadet, Yanmar, John Deere, Kawasaki, Kobelco, Outboard Marine Engines
All Applications
Style: Spin-On Lube Filter
Service: Lube
Type: Full Flow
Media: Paper
Height: 2.577
Outer Diameter Top: 2.685
Outer Diameter Bottom: Closed
Thread Size: 20X1.5 MM
By-Pass Valve Setting-PSI: 8-11
Anti-Drain Back Valve: Yes
Beta Ratio: 2/20=15/22
Burst Pressure-PSI: 300
Max Flow Rate: 9-11 GPM
Nominal Micron Rating: 19

Gasket Diameters
Number O.D. I.D. Thk.
Attached 2.475 2.173 0.233


I think that your main degradation in a filter is moisture accumulation (and its effects). We've seen plenty of filters that have been on way too long ..and they're still intact. Totally useless, but intact.

Some hydraulic filters have a 250 (or other) hour recommended FCI ..others appear to have a PSID recommendation. They would, I imagine, be processing higher flows of larger sumps in industrial settings. I imagine high volume blowers/air compressors have some issues very similar to our engines in terms of air filtration ..or so I imagine. I don't think in our applications filters are going to be taxed too much. An annual swap out would be sensible (how could a BITOG'r resist?).

 

[porcupine73]

Yes how can a BITOG'r resist changing that filter. That would be the filter for the 4EAT Phase II Subaru auto trans, which started in 2000. That was the first Subaru auto trans with a spin on ATF filter. On the 6 cylinder models this filter is remotely located in the LH front fender.

I crammed an Amsoil EaO36 onto mine, it's a little tight circumference wise (length is fine) to clear the pan but I was able to tighten it down. I also use the EaO36 for engine oil.

Here's what Subaru says (www.endwrench.com is a great service oriented official Subaru site):

The ATF filter is a life-of-car item, but we would still replace it during a trans flush,which maintenance is recommended every 15,000 miles if the vehicle tows a trailer frequently.

Don’t make the mistake we’ve heard many quick-lubes commonly make. That is, removing the ATF filter instead of the engine oil filter during a regular oil change. They look the same, but are clearly marked. Besides, why would an oil filter be screwed onto the transaxle?

 

[rcy]

Quote:

---

Quote:

---

Wouldn't the filter media, bypass valve, adbv degrade over time?

---

Sounds like a good reason to cut it open to me......

---

I had planned to, but had to use a screwdriver to get the filter off, effectively ruining the insides of the filter. Too late now anyway, as the filter is at the Hazardous Waste Depot at the local landfill (it's great..they take oil, filters, batteries, paint etc. for free).

 

[Slick 55]

The manufacturer's definition of lifetime is when the warranty is over.