Transmission filter change interval?

[skaughtz]

Just wondering when most change out their transmission filters (if applicable)? My used 2007 Camry LE (2.4L automatic) has 64k on it and is still running on the factory Toyota ATF WS (I got it used at 60k). I am planning on flushing the transmission and replacing the ATF with Valvoline MaxLife in the very near future, but I'm trying to decide if I should bother changing the filter as well. If I don't, I will probably leave it go until I do another flush at 120k (with a drain and fill at 90k).

Worth changing it now (it's another $60some to this 60k engine oil, ATF change, etc. maintenance interval...)? Also, I'd love to hear from anyone using MaxLife in one of these engines for a while. I'm always hesitant to go non-OEM with transmission fluid, but I've read poor things about the Toyota WS and great things about MaxLife in these Toyota transmissions (I'm also a big fan of full synthetic oils).

 

[Oro_O]

I would not bother with the filter now.

I have serviced a number of Toyota (Aisin) transmissions up to 225k miles and, presuming the fluid had been changed on a reasonable interval, never found one needing the filter changed. I had professional Toyota mechanic (I am not one) tell me that unless he saw clear signs of an internal issue via the fluid, and fluid had been periodically changed, he had never found one really needing a filter change.

MaxLife works great as a WS substitute and I have used it in several vehicles (~6) in lieu of it and the prior T-IV fluid. The highest mileage vehicle is now just short of 240k and honestly shifts better now than when ran on T-IV when new. I have also used Mag1 Low Vis. synthetic in lieu of WS and it worked just as well as MaxLife.

 

[Bgallagher]

I usually change the filter whenever I change the fluid which is typically 30-40k. My Equinox has the AW transmission w/o a serviceable filter. My malibu has it's filter changed every 60k with the fluid being changed every 30k. I replaced the trans pan with one that has a drain plug. Never been easier to change the fluid!

 

[theKman]

Originally Posted By: Or

MaxLife works great as a WS substitute and I have used it in several vehicles (~6) in lieu of it and the prior T-IV fluid. The highest mileage vehicle is now just short of 240k and honestly shifts better now than when ran on T-IV when new. I have also used Mag1 Low Vis. synthetic in lieu of WS and it worked just as well as MaxLife.


Oro, have you always flushed out all of the existing OE fluid before changing over, or blended it in a drain & fill?

 

[MysticGold04]

Not sure if the Camry would have the same trans as my Highlander, (they have the same engine I think) but when I had the pan dropped, there was no filter, only a mesh screen. What I would do is do drain/fills. IMO, there is no reason to do anything else. I've been using Maxlife ATF in my Highlander for many years without an issue... its good stuff. I also use it in the power steering reservoirs on both vehicles.

 

[WobblyElvis]

I drain/refill fluid and change filter every 100,000 miles. Don't think it's necessary more than that. I think the worst thing you can do for a transmission is drive it hard. Full throttle shifts will wear it out.

 

[TiredTrucker]

I am somewhat goofy. I change out all factory fill drive train fluids, including trans filter, before 5000 miles. Then I change out the trans filter when I do all the drivetrain stuff again at 50,000 mile intervals.

 

[Oro_O]

Originally Posted By: theKman


Oro, have you always flushed out all of the existing OE fluid before changing over, or blended it in a drain & fill?


I would do what you are planning, get all of the WS out now. My friend's 4Runner started slipping with it after only ~58k (mild use; no towing). A drain/fill only get's out (on a V6) about 1/3rd the fluid, 4cyl is probably similar ratio. It's not that mixing the fluid is bad per se, it's that it leaves too much worn fluid in place IMO after 64k miles. I think what you are planning is good and what many of us do - start with a clean synthetic full fill, then drain/fill at 30k and flush/fill again at the next 60k interval.

I am unsure if your year has a dipstick or sealed unit; if a dipstick it's easy. You can use the cooler line flush method to do it all pretty easily with just some tubing and catch pan. If you do not have the specific instructions for your year/transmission, look in this forum at Toyotanation:

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/104-5th-6th-generation-2002-2006-2007-2011/

I have the V6 instructions bookmarked and I think the 4 is almost identical. If you can't find them for your 4, post there and we'll help you find them.

Quote:
Not sure if the Camry would have the same trans as my Highlander, (they have the same engine I think) but when I had the pan dropped, there was no filter, only a mesh screen.


They used both types depending upon unit/gears. E.g., they had mesh in the V6 Camry unit (U series Asin) until it became a 5 speed (c. 2002/2003), then it got paper filters from then on. not sure on his but not too hard to check. I did have that engine in a car a while but it was a MT, not auto.