Is Fram's Tough Guard now their best filter?

[CharlieBauer]

In light of the leaf spring gap in the FE and XG, is the Tough Guard now Fram's best filter?

Are there any different quality concerns with the TG? If so, which competitor filter is better than a TG?

 

[cptbarkey]

Define what is the best filter in your mind.

 

[CharlieBauer]

Define what is the best filter in your mind.

The OG Ultra, non cartridge version.

By the way, the title and content of the OP are reasonably constrained and specific ("leaf spring gap", "Fram", "quality").

This is not an open ended "What is the best filter" question.

 

[BrendanC]

I personally will continue to spin Endurance’s on fleet vehicles running HPL for 12k miles. my three vehicles all get OG Titanium’s.

 

[GW.]

We can say there is a gap. We can’t say for sure it affects efficiency. Personally I’m not comfortable with bad quality control. I prefer OG Ultra/Titanium and Car Quest premium/Microgard Select.

 

[CharlieBauer]

We can say there is a gap. We can’t say for sure it affects efficiency. Personally I’m not comfortable with bad quality control. I prefer OG Ultra/Titanium and Car Quest premium/Microgard Select.

I saw that mentioned but I don't believe that all Carquest Premium's are 99.5% at 20 microns. Some search results suggest they are 99% at 30 microns, which was why I was thinking about the TG.

 

[Furious]

If the gap worries you then go for the TG, I would argue in terms of build quality Champ has the better filter with the E-Core design and felt end caps however FRAM wins on the efficiency.

 

[CharlieBauer]

If the gap worries you then go for the TG, I would argue in terms of build quality Champ has the better filter with the E-Core design and felt end caps however FRAM wins on the efficiency.

Which Champ has the ecore and felt end caps? Walmart?

 

[slacktide_bitog]

the Endurance is their top filter now. It has the wire-backed media and the entire can is grippy

 

[Furious]

Which Champ has the ecore and felt end caps? Walmart?

Supertech, Some AC Delco such as PF47E, the regular Champ/Luberfiner line. The XL design is metal end cap.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Fiber end caps do make for a good seal on the leaf spring. When they are cut open for inspection, you can clearly see the 100% seal impression in the end cap.

 

[Fair enough]

Maybe if Fram reads this forum they will put the gasket back on the end. It’s good it has become a topic with many responses. They also can go back to holes in the center and stop fixing what isn’t broken.
I couldn’t say what is better among the Fram offerings, it’s up to you. The gap in leaf spring doesn’t bother me after the discussions about it. My comfort zone isn’t everyone’s.

 

[hrv]

I guess that Fram really does not need to read this forum as they sell plenty of them over many many years...along with air and cabin filters...

 

[kschachn]

Maybe if Fram reads this forum they will put the gasket back on the end. It’s good it has become a topic with many responses. They also can go back to holes in the center and stop fixing what isn’t broken.
I couldn’t say what is better among the Fram offerings, it’s up to you. The gap in leaf spring doesn’t bother me after the discussions about it. My comfort zone isn’t everyone’s.

It’s Good times.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

In light of the leaf spring gap in the FE and XG, is the Tough Guard now Fram's best filter?

Are there any different quality concerns with the TG? If so, which competitor filter is better than a TG?

I don't like high efficiency in a paper/fiberglass blend small filter (under 120sq-in)
Maybe would work in warmer climes and with light oil but not up here through a New Hampshire winter.

 

[CharlieBauer]

I guess that Fram really does not need to read this forum as they sell plenty of them over many many years...along with air and cabin filters...

I think there is a difference between reading vs acknowledging quality problems which, if known widely, would affect sales.

 

[cptbarkey]

I think there is a difference between reading vs acknowledging quality problems which, if known widely, would affect sales.

This has been discussed and debated on this particular forum for over a decade. Have you come to a conclusion from your original question? Or, have you thought about how it might not in Frams best interest to engage in opinions from unqualified public commentators?

To share my thoughts, I have fram oil filters on a bit of equipment, and the TG is my goto if I am helping a friend. I think Wix is trash, and Champion Labs makes good stuff.

 

[FlyingVan]

Personally I prefer filters with fiber endcaps. Always did. My go to filters now are Supertechs and Tough Guards, with some Extra Guards thrown in, unless I find a good sale on something else.

 

[MyWifesBoyfriend]

I think Wix is trash

I switched from Wix to Fram TG after learning how small Wix's filter media is compared to competitors.

 

[oil pan 4]

TG is probably the best filter you can get for about $8. If I'm wrong let me know.