jonas's RX

Hi gang

Q to the pros . I have an 01 and I was wondering is the metal " Mesh ATF"
strainer filter compatable to the 01

under Lexus part # 35330-21011, it is showing it should only
be use for the 99 RX

the new ATF " Paper" filter is the paper type and part # shows to be 35330-06010
and is the only OEM Filter now shown for the 01

doesn't all the RX 1st generation have the same ATF transmission
4 speed ?

Thanks gang

jonas's RX

Does anyone know if the old mesh ATF is compatable to the 01 RX ?

salimshah

Are you planning to switch to screen type?

I dont speak for Lexus, but the element/paper_like is better in blocking fine gray matter which has been found in transmissions.

Salim

jonas's RX

I am debating when I change my ATF filter to go to the screen/mesh
type instead of the paper type

i hear the mesh is only for the 99 RX and the rest shows at Lexus part
To be using the paper type only

sny idea why only the 99 has the screen approved for that year only ?

salimshah

All I know is that 99 came with metal screen and later models came with element type (which are to be discarded every time).

Did Lexus switch to save cost? Manufacturing issues? There was never a recall on the metal screen.

Flow and filtration are always on opposite ends when we talk about filters. Which is better? You decide.

Salim

Drcoffee

That would be a huge mistake. These transmissions wear out quickly and recycling dirty debris filled fluid will accelerate the demise of your transmission. I went the extra step of adding a magnefine filter inline after the cooler to catch what the pan filter missed. Think twice before swapping to a screen.

jonas's RX

Thx Drcoffee

I have not changed the ATF filter yet but I was thinking of doing it at some point
i was under the impression the RX All came with the Screen mesh and not paper filter

do you guys think Lexus realized the screen could not catch the debris and that was why
the filter All went to Paper ?

i found a place that sell the screen OEM filter and thus is why I ask about the mesh

salimshah

Please reread my post #5 if you are asking for my opinion again.
Not knowing the exact reason, I would suggest do what the manufacturer suggest at minimum. Do your home work and decide what extra needs to be done.

My personal experience has been screen has been OK for my '99rx. 60k, 90k drain and fill. 110k drop pan clean and fill. 15k intervals drain and fill.

Salim

Drcoffee

We differ in that regard. My experiences tells me this: Keep it clean and keep it cool and the ATF will last 100,000 miles without drain a fills. Never had a trans failure. When it comes to automatic transmission, the more you figit with it, the more you risk a failure. When you drop the pan, you release particles into the fluid. Then you get leaks and risk stripping the tiny bolts that hold the pan on.

thomas1

Drcoffee, there has been long discussions on this and the other site about the failures of the transmissions. I personally tracked over 100 people with their failures. The early 99-2000 RX300 seems to have generally failed due to poor planetary gear design with an aluminum carrier. The change was never disclosed, but the newer one was steel with additional gears to support the heavy weight of the RX300. I personally changed my fluid every 30k when my transmission failed at around 100k. I added an additional filter (the size of a PH8, about 3/4 of a quart size) and also switched to a full synthetic. From that point on I had no problems to the point when I sold the vehicle at 189k miles. When mine failed the valve body was full of aluminum sludge (supporting the aluminulm carrier in the planetary gears) and eventually had complete failure with metal debris when the gears drifted in the carrier and all things broke loose. I agree clean, cool, is ideal, but bad design and driving style (lots of city) also contribute to the failures. Folks that drive highway a lot seem to have had fewer failures. Cooling at highway speed probably improved. I know when I switched to a full synthetic (Mobil 1 transmission fluid) the car improved dramatically shifting. I now own an RX400h and change the fluid every 15k miles or once a year. The transmission is a CVT, but is very expensive to repair/replace.

jonas's RX

Gang

I for sure plan to drop the pan and replace the ATF filter
In 15K. My RX only has 45k and I have already done a few
drain and fill AT fluid exchange at 38K

I am going to probably go with the Paper filter for my 01 RX

Love the 01RX and plan to keep it for some time ( until I sell it to Salimsah : )..

thanks everyone

JAB

The transmission in my 99 AWD RX failed at about 115K. I just recently bought a used one-owner dealer-maintained 2003 AWD RX with 93K and the service history is clear that neither the fluid nor the filter have ever been changed. I pressed the service advisor for an explanation and he spoke the party line - lifetime fluid.

thomas1

Yup, lifetime till it fails...preventative on any mechanical part is insurance to longevity. your 2003 should be quite reliable....enjoy.