Ryan300

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.

salimshah

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

Ryan300

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!

thomas1

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.

Lexmex

I am using the Beck Arnley filter (got it on Amazon) and have had no issues with it.

Ryan300

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?

thomas1

No, Drop the pan and find out....

Lexmex

Let me show you a photo of the two designs.

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.

Ryan300

@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?

Ryan300

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?

carguy07

See if this helps

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/5732491-post176.html

Ryan300

This helps greatly. I'm back on track. Thanks carguy!

thomas1

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....

Ryan300

But hey we still have ethanol I went to my local Kragen/O'reily last nite and only saw Valvoline ATF full synthetic for $5ea. My plan is to use the cheaper fluid for the first 2 drain/fill and then Amsoil on the final (along with new crush washers and pan gasket) to reach 70% fresh tranny fluid.

Was this your process as well (using cheaper fluid on first and 2nd refills)?

thomas1

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...