Purchased a new Fram filter for the 04 Vue V6 today. So I went to install it tonight when I changed the oil (PP 5w-20 for those with inquiring minds). First thing I noticed was that it looked different and that it was a bit lighter in weight.
The box was in perfect shape, yet the outboard pleats are crunched. The rubber perimeter comes off easily.
Two Side-by-Side pix:
The old filter, an STP filter with about 14K on it, has 24 pleats. They are rather sturdy and unflimsy.
Conversely, the Fram has only 18 pleats that are easily flexible. Cheap is a better word to describe this $12.47 + tax filter at WalMart:
It doesn't matter what foreign country these are made in IMO, the STP filter is a better product. I won't be purchasing Fram air filters any longer. STP has my business from now on.
The box was in perfect shape, yet the outboard pleats are crunched. The rubber perimeter comes off easily.
Two Side-by-Side pix:
The old filter, an STP filter with about 14K on it, has 24 pleats. They are rather sturdy and unflimsy.
Conversely, the Fram has only 18 pleats that are easily flexible. Cheap is a better word to describe this $12.47 + tax filter at WalMart:
It doesn't matter what foreign country these are made in IMO, the STP filter is a better product. I won't be purchasing Fram air filters any longer. STP has my business from now on.