Aftermarket vs. OEM Transmission filter/seal kit?
#1
Driver
Thread Starter
Aftermarket vs. OEM Transmission filter/seal kit?
Hello,
I'm a newbie to this most informative forum. I own a 2001 RX300 with 86K miles. I'm thinking of doing a DIY on my transmission including drain/fill, pan removal/cleaning, filter/seal replacement. This question has probably been asked multiple times but I could not find it when doing a search:
1. Has anyone have experieince with an "aftermarket" RX300 transmission filter and seal kit sold in Ebay, i.e. Prozone, Beck/Arnley, Fram ($21-$25)?
2. OR am I better off purchasing OEM parts from Toyota or Lexus dealership?
3. What have you used- OEM or aftermarket filter/seal on your SUV?
Thanks for any info.
I'm a newbie to this most informative forum. I own a 2001 RX300 with 86K miles. I'm thinking of doing a DIY on my transmission including drain/fill, pan removal/cleaning, filter/seal replacement. This question has probably been asked multiple times but I could not find it when doing a search:
1. Has anyone have experieince with an "aftermarket" RX300 transmission filter and seal kit sold in Ebay, i.e. Prozone, Beck/Arnley, Fram ($21-$25)?
2. OR am I better off purchasing OEM parts from Toyota or Lexus dealership?
3. What have you used- OEM or aftermarket filter/seal on your SUV?
Thanks for any info.
Last edited by Ryan300; 01-06-11 at 08:37 PM.
#2
Moderator
You may have a wire mesh.
If you want to switch to the paper-like element, staying with OEM is a safer bet. The generic replacement may or may not be better. It is OK to ask on the net, but whose authority would you accept?
Salim
If you want to switch to the paper-like element, staying with OEM is a safer bet. The generic replacement may or may not be better. It is OK to ask on the net, but whose authority would you accept?
Salim
#3
Driver
Thread Starter
so to clarify, re-use if wire mesh but stay OEM if paper like element.
I probably would use information from feedback, e.g. positive results from users of either OEM or aftermarket. I am not sure what price range the OEM tranny filter/seals are these days. Does anyone have any info on price? Thanks!
I probably would use information from feedback, e.g. positive results from users of either OEM or aftermarket. I am not sure what price range the OEM tranny filter/seals are these days. Does anyone have any info on price? Thanks!
#4
Pole Position
I would stick with wire screen if in your car, just clean it...If not the Beck Arnley is probably fine...I have used aftermarket with no problems, but the thing I like is the pan gasket that is more like Original equipment....looks like rubberized cork...I would not use Fram.
#6
Driver
Thread Starter
Thomas1/LexMex: did y'all ahve originally wire mesh or paper filter installed in your SUV? I don't want to purchase new paper filter if I have original wire mesh.
Is there a way to find out prior to starting so not to stop in the middle of DIY?
Is there a way to find out prior to starting so not to stop in the middle of DIY?
Trending Topics
#8
Super Moderator
The top picture is the paper filter, while the one below it is the metal filter. Notice the lack of ridges on the metal filter design.
I generally do 3 drain and refills over 3 weeks, 1 drain and and refill a week, because on drain and fill will not get all the fluid out. 3 of them does about 75%+.
On the 3rd (last drain and fill), that is when I remove the pan and change the filter.
However, on the first drain and fill you may be able with a small flash light peer into the tranny and see the filter (see if it has ridges or not) and that should give you a heads up.
#9
Driver
Thread Starter
@LEXMES, Great pics! much much appreciated.
@thomas1, correct, I will drop the pan and find out since I may go the route of disconnecting the cooler line as shown on DIY to remove 2 add'l qts. this will also cut down the drain/fill.
I've called 2 Lexus dealership in my area and both tool depts informed me that my 2001 RX300 has the metal filter. Both said they hardly sell metal tranny filters because their technicians would usually clean and reuse them.
FYI- The OEM PAN gasket varies in price; one dealer priced it at $24 ea; while the other $16 ea. After market (EBAY) is priced at $13.99 (free shipping).
I know this is personal preference but what kind of tranny fluid are you using?
@thomas1, correct, I will drop the pan and find out since I may go the route of disconnecting the cooler line as shown on DIY to remove 2 add'l qts. this will also cut down the drain/fill.
I've called 2 Lexus dealership in my area and both tool depts informed me that my 2001 RX300 has the metal filter. Both said they hardly sell metal tranny filters because their technicians would usually clean and reuse them.
FYI- The OEM PAN gasket varies in price; one dealer priced it at $24 ea; while the other $16 ea. After market (EBAY) is priced at $13.99 (free shipping).
I know this is personal preference but what kind of tranny fluid are you using?
Last edited by Ryan300; 01-08-11 at 01:34 PM.
#10
Driver
Thread Starter
I'm a little confused. TunedRX300's DIY detailed the transfer case sharing the same ATF as the tranny. But as I read the label taped on the tranny dipstick; it states, "(Transfer fluid for 4WD is different). See owner's manual if replacing". In addition, I believe, LEXMEX's DIY on Transfer case/Rear Differntial drain/fill showed the transfer case (front) using gear oil and not ATF.
Which is accurate? Should I even unplug and drain the second plug per DIY?
Which is accurate? Should I even unplug and drain the second plug per DIY?
#13
Pole Position
I used Mobil 1 synthetic tranny fluid on the last two changes...However it is no longer sold in California. So now I have my gambling friends pick it up for me when they go to Reno. Prior I used only Toyota Type IV which is what is recommended for this transmission...Another alterntive would be AMSOIL... OUr wonderful Air Resources Board banned the Mobil 1 in California...Whatever....
#14
Driver
Thread Starter
I used Mobil 1 synthetic tranny fluid on the last two changes...However it is no longer sold in California. So now I have my gambling friends pick it up for me when they go to Reno. Prior I used only Toyota Type IV which is what is recommended for this transmission...Another alterntive would be AMSOIL... OUr wonderful Air Resources Board banned the Mobil 1 in California...Whatever....
Was this your process as well (using cheaper fluid on first and 2nd refills)?
#15
Pole Position
What do you mean by cheaper, the Toyota Type IV is not really cheap...Only use it or Mobil 1 or Amsoil...We dont have any results on other fluids. Is the Valvoline ATF compatable with Toyota Type IV...? It has to say that it is before I would use it. And Toyota Type IV is not the same as Dexron IV...be careful....
update, i looked up Valvoline MAX life atf and see that it is recommended for Toyota Type IV...Tell us how it works...
update, i looked up Valvoline MAX life atf and see that it is recommended for Toyota Type IV...Tell us how it works...
Last edited by thomas1; 01-09-11 at 06:58 PM.