Do Wix transmission filters offer better filtration properties than A/C Delco or Motocraft? Not concerned about price, just wondering if it's smart to buy a filter from the same company hoping to sell me my next vehicle(s)? Is there another superior brand out there that would be a better choice?
Wix vs OEM Transmission filters (Motocraft/AC Delco)
- Thread starter Dehaka
- Start date
You almost never need to change any transmission filter, so I don't even worry about it.
Even cars with spin-on transmission filters say you only need to replace them if damaged.
Even cars with spin-on transmission filters say you only need to replace them if damaged.
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2014
- Messages
- 4,118
No real better choice
Stick with OE filters. I've seen fit/finish/quality with various aftermarket brands.
For better filtration, install a PH8a filter mount kit. This is similar to what B&M, Derale, Permacool.... sell. Racor also has a fancy kit but really not worth the expensive over the easy to find/source ph8a mounts.
Even a Magnefine or NTZ filter is a major upgrade to most OE pan filters.
Stick with OE filters. I've seen fit/finish/quality with various aftermarket brands.
For better filtration, install a PH8a filter mount kit. This is similar to what B&M, Derale, Permacool.... sell. Racor also has a fancy kit but really not worth the expensive over the easy to find/source ph8a mounts.
Even a Magnefine or NTZ filter is a major upgrade to most OE pan filters.
ZF would disagree with you.
I said almost
And if the OP is asking about separate filters, he probably doesn't have a ZF transmission, as those filters are integrated into the pan.
Yes, but they are created for quick replacement. If there is a pan filter, it is designed for a change.I said almost
And if the OP is asking about separate filters, he probably doesn't have a ZF transmission, as those filters are integrated into the pan.
CleanSump
Site Donor 2022
I've seen swarfy goop in trans filters just like the stuff that collects on the magnets and pan. They will clog.
To answer the OP's question, yes...WIX filters are very high quality but no, they are not any "better" than OEM.
Considering the cost of repair/replacement of most automatic transmissions, I usually prefer to use OEM for the filters but that's likely a placebo for my OCD.
I agree w/slacktide_bitog about not needing to change the filter, with the following addendum: "...after an initial change". The filter is really there to catch any break-in wear materials and after that, it's pretty much unnecessary. I like to change the filter at about 15,000 miles, but that's it. I also install a drain plug if the pan doesn't have one, making future drain & fills so much easier and less messy. Fresh fluid is more important than changing an already clean filter.
Considering the cost of repair/replacement of most automatic transmissions, I usually prefer to use OEM for the filters but that's likely a placebo for my OCD.
I agree w/slacktide_bitog about not needing to change the filter, with the following addendum: "...after an initial change". The filter is really there to catch any break-in wear materials and after that, it's pretty much unnecessary. I like to change the filter at about 15,000 miles, but that's it. I also install a drain plug if the pan doesn't have one, making future drain & fills so much easier and less messy. Fresh fluid is more important than changing an already clean filter.
There's GOOD filters and everything else. Your trans wouldn't know the difference with the three quoted.
Transmission filters are like motor mounts - the quality/performance gap between OE and aftermarket is huge.
Filtration Group Filtran, formerly SPX Filtran is the OE supplier alongside Roki from what I’ve seen and the media looks better than most aftermarket. They are OE for Ford, some Toyota/Aisin and ZF. With that said, I have a Taiwanese Wix on a van, it looked OK but will be swapped out for OE at the next ATF change.
FWIW, I did a pan drop on a Ranger. I saw swarf and friction sludge on the pan. Trans filter looked fine. In went another OE filter.
WIX is too. Many are just repackaged MANN. MANN is a huge OE supplier.
This one was made in Taiwan and looked decent compared to the OE Toyota Filtran made in the US. I would probably keep it.
Filtran does have a plant in China. I installed a NOS Puro that was made in China, it had the SPX patent number on it and looked just like the OE Filtran that came off. That was for an Explorer.
I have always tried to use ATP brand trans filters and gaskets. They make one of the best gaskets and filters out there.
Been using them for over 40 years in fleet maintenance.
Been using them for over 40 years in fleet maintenance.
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