How to Clean a Transmission Filter

[Lloyd_Hanning]

Is there a correct way to clean a transmission filter? Have a 2012 Camry w/4cyl,& 15k. The Toyota parts guy said the filter is metal, and clean it, and reinstall it. My idea is to run a magnet over it, and remove (if any) steel shavings. Then take it to the local car repair shop and have them clean it in their parts cleaning tank. Dry it off good, and reinstall. Is there anything I should NOT do with regard to cleaning the filter?

Thanks
Lloyd

 

[JC1]

Lloyd,

Just buy an aftermarket part and replace the old one. They are referred to as a "strainer".

The film on there is very fine and the magnet won't do a great job of getting it all off. If you are really wanting to keep it clean then install a magnefine transmission filter on your line running to the rad.

Regards, JC.

 

[LeakySeals]

This is not a transmission from 20 years ago, there is nothing to clean, no reason to open EVER. Drain and fill every 50k. Do NOT change to a high efficiency filter (even if they made one). Its not an engine, the flow and fluid viscosity are designed to work together. Your going to break something, leave it alone!

 

[mikered30]

Brake Cleaner and let the screen dry.

 

[lexus114]

I have had two RX`s now, and both have not had the rock catcher. They have had the felt filter. Is it possible they were changed out before I got them sure. But My RX I have now had all the service done at my Lexus dealer. (with the prior owner as well as me) and they do not drop the pans.

 

[Lloyd_Hanning]

I think maybe, after reading this, just drain and refill..Filter should be okay. As leakyseals said "you're going to break something!"
I'm just so used to dealing with the [censored] from 20 and more years ago.....

Thanks again, I appreciate your input...

Lloyd

 

[Jim Allen]

If it's just a screen, I agree, drain & fils but I also agree withteh idea of installing an inline fitelr into the return cooler line. If you plan on keeping the car for a long time or a lot of miles, it will help with longevity and help the fluid to last longer. Since you seem unsure as to whether it's a screen, and you shouldn't take internet advice on whether it is or isn't, go look at the part you car calls for and verify for yourself. If it's a felt filter, it should be replaced at some point.

Back to the cooler line filter... it's the best and easiest thing you could do to add longevity via a maintenance item.

 

[LeakySeals]

There is room for a small cooler line filter, accessible from the engine bay. Need to cut the tube I would imagine, but looks doable.

 

[Lloyd_Hanning]

Originally Posted By: Jim Allen
If it's just a screen, I agree, drain & fils but I also agree withteh idea of installing an inline fitelr into the return cooler line. If you plan on keeping the car for a long time or a lot of miles, it will help with longevity and help the fluid to last longer. Since you seem unsure as to whether it's a screen, and you shouldn't take internet advice on whether it is or isn't, go look at the part you car calls for and verify for yourself. If it's a felt filter, it should be replaced at some point.

Back to the cooler line filter... it's the best and easiest thing you could do to add longevity via a maintenance item.


The Toyota parts guy said it was a screen and just clean it and reinstall.
On the line filter.....How often should that be replaced?......And how would the line filter affect the screen filter in the oil pan?.....

Thanks
Lloyd

 

[Jim Allen]

Good enough.

There are a lot of options for an inline filter and I won't detail them all (you can find them discussed here and in th filter sections). There are no issues with additional filtration and screens, or any other original filtration in the trans.

The one I like is the Magnefine, which you can google. It contains a 35 micron filter element (with a good bypass so oil flow never stops) with a magnet and flow directors. Because of the magnet, the overall efficiency is somewhat better than the 30 um spec would imply because it will catch virtually all of the ferrous particles... which are 51% of the total metallic contaminants in an automatic. You simply cut the cooler line in a convenient place and install the filter. This can be done as simple as with hose and clamps or with JIC fittings for a factory look. Check out this Four Wheeler article: Trans Filtration

Magnefine recommends replacement every 30K miles. Certainly that should be followed the first time but once broken in, the trans generates very little contamination and that FCI is likely extendable if you have ATF oil analysis and a particle count test done to verify. Considering it's a $15 filter, a 30K interval is doable economically with no special testing required..

 

[Lloyd_Hanning]

Thanks Jim: Great explaination!

Lloyd