OEM external Transmission filter
 

Just occurred to me that after 20+ years I've never changed the transmission filter that Subaru installed retroactively to help with the transmission overheat problem.

Anyone done this?

Re: OEM external Transmission filter
 

I was not aware Subaru had ever done that. My '97 doesn't have one.

Re: OEM external Transmission filter
 

My '97 has one, it's an external spin on type. It would seem early SVXs' had an issue with the internal filter plugging up, which reduced the flow and led to fried transmissions, but I've never read anything about exactly when the external filter stsrted being used. The external acts like a regular oil filter if it gets plugged up, the bypass opens. If it was partially plugged, there would still be both some filtration, and still be flow. Actually, if it was installed retroactively, was it a recall? TSB? Put in if it was rebuilt under warrantee? Maybe Blacky missed a recall.



The external spin on makes a partial fluid change a breeze. Fresh filter and 4 litres of synthetic every other oil change for my piece of mind. It, ( at least the one I use ) isn't likely to be found at "Quicky Lube" . If you're not doing it yourself, order one in advance.

Re: OEM external Transmission filter
 

HERE is the original Subaru TSB regarding the auxiliary filter kit.

Note that it says "The filter is designed to be maintenance free under normal driving conditions. It will not require periodic replacement. The only time replacement is necessary is in case of a transmission failure which leads to excessive metal contamination of the fluid."

Once the problems with the earlier transmissions were eliminated and the ATF cooler screen was removed from the radiator, Subaru stopped using them. The applicability of this kit was for 1992 SVX UP TO AND INCLUDING NH106285


You can find a similar replacement from B&M. At least parts will be available.
http://www.amazon.com/80277-Universa.../dp/B000CIKJMY

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Re: OEM external Transmission filter
 

@SVXCESS... excellent post!

Personally though, I'll take exception with Subaru's claim that it's maintenance free. Perhaps they feel that by the time the filter is plugged with foreign material, the 4EAT is toast anyways. Perhaps they thought that requiring the filter to be changed on a regular basis would leave them culpable for repair cost further on down the road. Who knows?

I recently purchased a brand new John Deere. Imagine my shock when I read the warrantee.. 120 hours. Yup, that's right, if I use it 40 hours a week, it has a three week warrantee. In the manual, it says the hydro-static trans-axle is "sealed for life" and is "maintenance free". According to several forums, I can expect 150 hours of hard use out of it, and about 300 if I'm semi gentle. However, if I drain out the cheap dino oil ( which requires removing the trans - axle, because it was made non serviceable ) and put in a premium synthetic, and change it every 100 hours, it should have a minimum service life of well over 1000 hours.

My long winded point.. lol.. Manufacturers, Subaru included, well, I wouldn't actually call them liars. Let's just say they shade the truth in their favour.

"Never needs service under normal driving conditions" belongs right beside the other term " Your mileage may vary"

"Under normal conditions" .. .. I never would have dreamed I would have ( then ) bought 16 year old car, with 140,000 miles on it.


Lost in the mix was the OP's original question "Anyone do this?"

Yes, I do.. And IMHO, I think it would be only fair, as it's a possibility that Subaru shaded the truth about " Maintenance Free" , that you should probably change it soon, and then again every ummm let's say every ten years from here on in.. Just as a precaution..;)

Re: OEM external Transmission filter
 

has any one tried these filters look like a simple install.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/atp-jx150

ATP offers a limited lifetime warranty for exhaust manifold kits, heat risers, harmonic balancers, intake manifolds, timing covers, front bearing retainers, and engine oil pans. All other products have a limited 90-day warranty. ATP warrants, to the direct purchaser only, that any products sold by ATP will be free from defects in material and workmanship.

Re: OEM external Transmission filter
 

Is that a disposable kit? Why not get a mounted bracket that uses twist on filters?

Re: OEM external Transmission filter
 

Ditto!
When Appleway Subaru (dealership in Spokane valley, Washington) installed the new transmission in my '1992 SVX they didn't replace the external filter (very easy to replace) or any of the rubber hoses going to/from the Automatic transmission!! 🙄🤔