[Mr Blotto]

I decided to bite the bullet and get the entire 30k mile service done at the dealer (mainly becuase I just got the car and am not familiar with it yet AND it is too COLD here in Chicago for me to go outside and wrench :icon_razz

Being the anal-retentive guy I am, when I picked up the car, I double checked to make sure all the fluids and such were indeed changed and at the correct levels. At that time, I noticed that the trans filter was not touched. I immediately inquired and was told that it is a non-serviceable part and that is only changed if there is trans damage, etc. OK OK I get it, but:

1 - Why not just change it - can't hurt anything right???

2 - With the trans full of fluid, can I spin off the filter w/o a bunch of fluid spilling out?

Thanks!

 

[Peaty]

Subaru does not recommend changing the filter unless it's damaged.

 

[Wharf Rat]

You can change it if you like, but I personally wouldn't bother yet. They are supposed to last the lifetime of the car. I did mine at my 60K service.

Yes, you can spin it off but you may lose some fluid to dripping, and some because the filter was full. Probably not more than 1/2 qt -- maybe at most 1 qt total.

 

[Mr Blotto]

Thanks for the replies!!!

 

[NAEJ25]

We replace the filter every 30K on these ...I figure its so easy , why not .... It is a spendy filter ... but I figure the trans cost a bunch more !!

 

[foneman708]

I'm curious as to why they put it on there then.

Subaru does not recommend changing the filter unless it's damaged.

 

[dbaldock9]

Another question regarding the Transmission Filter --- On the AMSOIL web site, it lists the same P/N for the Engine Oil Filter and Transmission Filter for my 2007 2.5X 4EAT. Are the stock filters actually the same, or do they simply have the same size threaded fitting?

Take Care,
David Baldock

 

[chillywilly]

I'm curious as to why they put it on there then.

My 08 2.5X auto tranny doesn't have an external filter. I was told the reason Subaru stopped using the external filter is too many quick lubes would remove it thinking it was the oil filter.

So I guess it's not that important or my tranny will die early as a result of it not being there.

 

[adc]

Are the stock filters actually the same, or do they simply have the same size threaded fitting?

Take Care,
David Baldock

They are not the same. Using the finer filtering capability (from the engine) on the tranny will not allow enough flow as I recall.

Conclusion: Pay the extra bucks for the Subaru Tranny Filter.

 

[Elmy]

They are not the same. Using the finer filtering capability (from the engine) on the tranny will not allow enough flow as I recall.

Conclusion bay the extra bucks for the Subaru Tranny Filter.

DOH!!!
Maybe I should invest in a subaru AT filter. Because I think I have an engine filter mounted on my cars AT by mistake.

 

[adc]

DOH!!!
Maybe I should invest in a subaru AT filter. Because I think I have an engine filter mounted on my cars AT by mistake.

I recall at least one post on here where the non AT filter caused tranny damage. Please get rid of it yesterday.

 

[Wharf Rat]

I recall at least one post on here where the non AT filter caused tranny damage. Please get rid of it yesterday.

I agree. I definitely remember that thread.

 

[dbaldock9]

They are not the same. Using the finer filtering capability (from the engine) on the tranny will not allow enough flow as I recall.

Conclusion: Pay the extra bucks for the Subaru Tranny Filter.

Thanks for that info. I ordered a Transmission Filter today from Ben at HodgesSubaru.

Take Care,
David Baldock

 

[vintage42]

My 08 2.5X auto tranny doesn't have an external filter...

So, does the 2008 have any filter at all?

 

[adc]

So, does the 2008 have any filter at all?

I am doubting that information. My 2008 and my daughter's 2008 have them (external)

 

[jrsc13]

Tranny filter change at 100k, as told by tranny training class at subaru, even though it says lifetime filter.

 

[shamrockshooter]

How much did you pay for your 30K? i was just quoted about $560 at my local dealer.

I decided to bite the bullet and get the entire 30k mile service done at the dealer (mainly becuase I just got the car and am not familiar with it yet AND it is too COLD here in Chicago for me to go outside and wrench :icon_razz

Being the anal-retentive guy I am, when I picked up the car, I double checked to make sure all the fluids and such were indeed changed and at the correct levels. At that time, I noticed that the trans filter was not touched. I immediately inquired and was told that it is a non-serviceable part and that is only changed if there is trans damage, etc. OK OK I get it, but:

1 - Why not just change it - can't hurt anything right???

2 - With the trans full of fluid, can I spin off the filter w/o a bunch of fluid spilling out?

Thanks!

 

[Tuned200]

I was also told its lifetime.

Ask your dealer if they can discount the costs any. Mine gave me 12% off my trans service.

 

[2.5x_sleeper]

Tranny filter change at 100k, as told by tranny training class at subaru, even though it says lifetime filter.

Thanks for the "inside" information! I'll have to keep this in mind when I have my 4EAT serviced!

Bobby...

['07 FSXT Member Journal] ['03 X Member Journal]

 

[vintage42]

... My 2008 and my daughter's 2008 have them (external)

I looked for an AT filter on my 2008, and I don't see one. I see the place where it should be, but it has big flat plug screwed into the hole. I wonder if this plug was unscrewed, would an AT filter screw right back in?