Is it really necessary to replace your transmission filter if you perform yearly drain and fills? I've been fortunate to have some vehicles that have drain plugs on the auto transmission. I've made it a habit to drain and fill them on a yearly interval (overkill? Maybe?) with very good luck, and have never had a transmission problem. I've also replaced filters on them, but I've never seen a filter that actually looks dirty or like it needs to be replaced. Is it a waste of time to replace the filter?
Is it necessary to replace filter if you do regular fluid changes?
- Thread starter Johnny248
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I always recommend at minimum that you replace the transmission filter at least once if it is an easy replacement just because of age, factory break in materials, etc.
But technically speaking if your transmission filter is clogged your transmission is toast to begin with.
Follow your vehicles specific maintenance schedule in regards to filter changes if it recommends it though.
But technically speaking if your transmission filter is clogged your transmission is toast to begin with.
Follow your vehicles specific maintenance schedule in regards to filter changes if it recommends it though.
To change a tranny filter in vehicles that have one, typically you drop the pan to service. Cleaning the pan and magnet is as important as changing the filter and gives a good snap shot to the overall health.
I don't know your driving habits but instead of annual changes, I would go every 40k-45k miles with a filter change. There will always be wear materials present regardless of doing yearly partial fluid changes. As the filter loads up, fluid flow from the pan slowly decreases and will eventually starve the transmission of lubrication.
If there’s enough wear going on to impede fluid flow at the filter, the damage is already done. Your frequency of fluid changes will allow the transmission to live as long as it possibly can even without the filter change. Been doing transmission fluid extraction and refills for years without dropping the pan to change the filter. No issues…ever.
If you have an external transmission cooler or even in the bottom of radiator with rubber hoses going to it, you could install an in-line Magnefine that easy to replace. It may catch a lot of junk if you also do not have a magnetic drain plug. Many have "non replaceable" mesh screen that make a window screen look like a HEPA filter.
I look at it the same as magnetic drain plugs and Filtermag on my oil filters. If I can help eliminate any particles from circulating it "should" help reduce wear.
Here is a picture of in-line Magnefine from my Pilot and drain plug with only about 30k of use on it and a couple fluid D&F's. YMMV.
I look at it the same as magnetic drain plugs and Filtermag on my oil filters. If I can help eliminate any particles from circulating it "should" help reduce wear.
Here is a picture of in-line Magnefine from my Pilot and drain plug with only about 30k of use on it and a couple fluid D&F's. YMMV.
agreed.
agreed.
that's because they tend to be screens not really "filters".
I always do a pan drop and a filter change whenever that option is available as I will easily get 1.5 quart more of dirty fluid out on the first drain and I get to clean the pan and see the build up on the magnets, I continue by disconnecting the transmission cooler return line and turn the vehicle on & off until clean fluid comes out (usually 12-14 quarts).
When I get a vehicle that is "new" to me, I always do a pan drop & filter change to see the magnets and clean the pan, then since I am almost doing a complete flush of the transmission fluid, I will skip the transmission filter change the next transmission service.
- Initially - Pan drop & filter change - (almost) a complete flush of the system.
- 60k mile service - (almost) a complete flush of the system.
- 120k mile service - Pan drop & filter change - (almost) a complete flush of the system.
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