I've been planning to change the transmission fluid on my 2009 Mazda 3 4speed automatic. I approached the dealership for an original equipment type replacement filter and was informed that it just has a metal strainer that doesn't get changed and I only need to replace the fluid. However, I checked with Wix filters and they have an aftermarket filter which has a felt media for filtration. Does anybody know why the aftermarket filters would not be made similar to the original equipment?
Mazda 3 Original vs Aftermarket Auto Tran Filter
- Thread starter Spudislander
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Go with a Magnefine inline filter. You can probably forget about the filter in the transmission.
My concern with respect to an aftermarket filter that is a different design, is it will be thicker that the screen. Is that OK inside the transmission? I have respect for WIX products so it should work however.
But the Magnefine will be better by far than any internal filer.
My concern with respect to an aftermarket filter that is a different design, is it will be thicker that the screen. Is that OK inside the transmission? I have respect for WIX products so it should work however.
But the Magnefine will be better by far than any internal filer.
The felt type filter in the WIX should be fine.
It is rare for the felt type filter inside the transmission to become clogged.
Even the BEST of the in-pan filters only filters down to a nominal particle size of 60 microns.......most are 80 - even 120 microns.
While this is MUCH smaller than the screen will filter out, you can improve the filtering with the Magnefine inline filter installation.
The Magnefine has a big magnet inside that looks like a big washer......all the fluid flows over the magnet, then it flows through a filter cartridge that looks much like a smaller version of the filter that is inside your oil filter.
There is also a pressure bypass valve that, in the unlikely event that the filter media should become clogged, the bypass flap opens and lets the fluid flow through.
You need to change the Magnefine once a year.
The Magnafine catches LOTS more fuzz on the magnet than the in-pan magnets do (as I found on my FORD and my Toyota vehicles) and the filter media filters down to around a nominal particle size of 30 to 35 microns.
This means that you get less dirt in the fluid valves and longer transmission life.
It is rare for the felt type filter inside the transmission to become clogged.
Even the BEST of the in-pan filters only filters down to a nominal particle size of 60 microns.......most are 80 - even 120 microns.
While this is MUCH smaller than the screen will filter out, you can improve the filtering with the Magnefine inline filter installation.
The Magnefine has a big magnet inside that looks like a big washer......all the fluid flows over the magnet, then it flows through a filter cartridge that looks much like a smaller version of the filter that is inside your oil filter.
There is also a pressure bypass valve that, in the unlikely event that the filter media should become clogged, the bypass flap opens and lets the fluid flow through.
You need to change the Magnefine once a year.
The Magnafine catches LOTS more fuzz on the magnet than the in-pan magnets do (as I found on my FORD and my Toyota vehicles) and the filter media filters down to around a nominal particle size of 30 to 35 microns.
This means that you get less dirt in the fluid valves and longer transmission life.
Oops, I forgot to say thanks. Better late than never so thanks for the info provided!
Originally Posted By: Spudislander
I approached the dealership for an original equipment type replacement filter and was informed that it just has a metal strainer that doesn't get changed and I only need to replace the fluid.
Did you ever do any research to confirm that the dealer was correct? Perhaps the dealer was just mistaken, and the Wix filter is similar to the original?
I don't know the answer, but it's something to check out.
I approached the dealership for an original equipment type replacement filter and was informed that it just has a metal strainer that doesn't get changed and I only need to replace the fluid.
Did you ever do any research to confirm that the dealer was correct? Perhaps the dealer was just mistaken, and the Wix filter is similar to the original?
I don't know the answer, but it's something to check out.
^^^what stephen9666 said^^^
I've had dealers tell me things about my car that I know and can prove are dead wrong. The dealer is generally the last place I look for advice.
I've had dealers tell me things about my car that I know and can prove are dead wrong. The dealer is generally the last place I look for advice.
Hello,
I've got an '08 Mazda 3 with the 4 speed auto. I have no idea whether the '09 is the same. FWIW, my '08 originally came with a felt paper filter that just pulls down from the trans. I've changed it a few times with the filter and gasket kit from Autozone. I would think the Wix would work as well. I would bet your car has a felt filter and the service writer is wrong or guessing.
I've got an '08 Mazda 3 with the 4 speed auto. I have no idea whether the '09 is the same. FWIW, my '08 originally came with a felt paper filter that just pulls down from the trans. I've changed it a few times with the filter and gasket kit from Autozone. I would think the Wix would work as well. I would bet your car has a felt filter and the service writer is wrong or guessing.
Trav turned us on to this one. cooler in-line 20 micron w/ a bypass and magnet:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Duralast-Power-Steering-Filter/_/N-5yc1s?itemIdentifier=13909
Duralast/Power Steering Filter
Price:$9.99
Part Number: 2210
Alternate Part Number: SF1 [img:center]http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znetcs/product-info/en/US/atp/2210/image/4/[/img]
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Duralast-Power-Steering-Filter/_/N-5yc1s?itemIdentifier=13909
Duralast/Power Steering Filter
Price:$9.99
Part Number: 2210
Alternate Part Number: SF1 [img:center]http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znetcs/product-info/en/US/atp/2210/image/4/[/img]
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