Replacing Your Transmission Filter

[Lexington]

Hi All

I found out not too long ago that the 5th Gen transmission case has a filter. How often should change filter?

Thanks

 

[Hungryhawk]

My understanding is its a screen and generally cleaned or replaced only when pan removed-if needed upon inspection.
Drain and refill at timely intervals can forstall dropping the pan a long time.
If it is gunked up or loaded with particles you have some big problems.
This assumes you know the service history of your tranny since new. If you think service neglected then drop the pan and look.

 

[Lexington]

My understanding is its a screen and generally cleaned or replaced only when pan removed-if needed upon inspection.
Drain and refill at timely intervals can forstall dropping the pan a long time.
If it is gunked up or loaded with particles you have some big problems.
This assumes you know the service history of your tranny since new. If you think service neglected then drop the pan and look.

Thanks Hungryhawk. I bought my 4Runner at 71k and I’ve been changing the fluid about every 50k. So I think I’m fine but I didn’t know if this was meant to be changed regularly or every once in a while.

I did find this site that recommends changing it every 50k What filters exist in your 4Runner and when should you replace them?

I also found this Toyota link that says it should be changed every time you change your transmission fluid.
How Often Should You Change Your Transmission Fluid?

 

[Lexington]

I also found this comment on another forum that sound like a good idea and may be cheaper in the long run.

“The pan “filter” is just a screen. I wouldn’t plan on replacing, or cleaning it. If I was just doing the fluids, I would install an inline transmission filter on the return line from the radiator. They’re good for about 30K miles. I use one on my Tacoma, will put one on my 4Runner. The fluid on my Tacoma went from a very dark cherry red to a red color. So, it does work. Besides, it’s a lot easier to change an inline filter than to drop the transmission pan to mess with the internal “filter”(screen).”

 

[4RunnerAquasport]

Magnefine are supposed to be good quality. Not hard to install. I'm probably due to replace mine. Quick search says 30k miles is a good interval for these. ymmv

 

[Rocko9999]

It's a screen. No need to replace it. Actually, in rusty land, a good chance you snap off a pan bolt.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

Last time I went to change the trans fluid and filter, I had bought a filter at Napa and it was a plastic pos. So I throughly cleaned the existing filter screen with clean fluid and reinstalled. Need to find better replacement filters.

 

[Lexington]

Last time I went to change the trans fluid and filter, I had bought a filter at Napa and it was a plastic pos. So I throughly cleaned the existing filter screen with clean fluid and reinstalled. Need to find better replacement filters.

They shouldn’t be plastic. It should be all metal. Maybe you bought an aftermarket one?

 

[Lexington]

I talked to 3 dealers in my area and they said they don’t replace them but Toyota’s website says replace them every 50,000 miles. So I don’t know. It seems a lot of people just leave them as is.

 

[RRosco]

I ordered mine and found out it was a metal screen (2015). The next time I drop the pan to clean it up I will not be changing the screen.

 

[CutthroatSlam]

They shouldn’t be plastic. It should be all metal. Maybe you bought an aftermarket one?

It was a Wix filter. I did not use as it was plastic.