Actually since the element diameter is quite a bit smaller than the end caps, I see now the element is actually off to one side, a lot. The endcaps center the filter on the base, and the center tube should be holding the media close to it, so there is something very wrong going on. Look at the side picture, the top and bottom are off center to the element. I want to say nice things, but this is a fail. This is why new filters are good to see opened.