Subaru 4EAT Trans filter

[artbuc]

Originally Posted By: JTK
Originally Posted By: martinq
Originally Posted By: JTK
But the spin-on transmission filters were de-contented years ago- from US models atleast.

That in itself is a crying shame. I was so impressed, not only that there's a spin-on filter for the transmission, but of the purpose-built quality put into it.


I hear that! Even w/out the spin-on, the 4EAT is still a legendary AT IMO, in terms of reliability. Very old school, but they still have a tow-rating and will take a beating. I've seen them with close to 300K miles on them and still going.

My brother's new 2012 Forester still came with a 4EAT. It's days are numbered now Subaru has committed to CVTs.

Joel


JTK, my friend's 07 Outback has a 4 speed auto sport shift. Is that the same as a 4EAT?

 

[Wheel]

Yes, that's the latest version of the 4EAT. I've got a 15 year old Outback with one, and a 09 with one that has the sportshift. Same beast from what I can see, short of the ATF spec. I'd going to try ATF-HP in the Outback next time it's due.

 

[chevrofreak]

I replaced the spin-on filter on my moms 2002 Outback after 129,058 miles with a NAPA Platinum PFL41334 synthetic media filter. These filters have low restriction compared to a standard cellulose blend media, and her shifting seemed improved after the filter swap (no fluid change).

 

[martinq]

Originally Posted By: chevrofreak
I replaced the spin-on filter on my moms 2002 Outback after 129,058 miles with a NAPA Platinum PFL41334 synthetic media filter. These filters have low restriction compared to a standard cellulose blend media, and her shifting seemed improved after the filter swap (no fluid change).

The Napa filter won't do anywhere near as good a job as the OE one. You're talking about the difference of filtering from 20 micron to 2 micron. If you plan on keeping the Outback, I'd suggest putting a new OE filter on and drop the fluid while you're at it (unless it's been flushed in the last year or two).

 

[chevrofreak]

Originally Posted By: martinq
Originally Posted By: chevrofreak
I replaced the spin-on filter on my moms 2002 Outback after 129,058 miles with a NAPA Platinum PFL41334 synthetic media filter. These filters have low restriction compared to a standard cellulose blend media, and her shifting seemed improved after the filter swap (no fluid change).

The Napa filter won't do anywhere near as good a job as the OE one. You're talking about the difference of filtering from 20 micron to 2 micron. If you plan on keeping the Outback, I'd suggest putting a new OE filter on and drop the fluid while you're at it (unless it's been flushed in the last year or two).


The fluid has been changed half a dozen times since we bought it new.

I decided that filtering all of the fluid at high efficiency was better than filtering only some of it at ultra high efficiency. Not all of the fluid goes through the media of the OEM filter.

I am considering switching over to an Amsoil EaBP filter for the transmission, but I need to figure out where to mount it.