What's the Best Oil Filter?

[DougR]

A thread on Fram cabin air filters brought up the subject of oil filters. If you have a vehicle with a spin on oil filter, I think you'll find the following information useful.

It's well known that Fram oil filters had quality control issues for an unknown length of time after production was shifted off shore. In 2011, Fram admitted the issue and granted a Jeep forum administrator access to their research and development facility. It's a very interesting read ... Eating crow, Fram oil filters, and my visit to Fram's R&D facility in Dayton Ohio - JeepForum.com

A GMC truck forum performed the best oil filter brand quality study I was able to find. The various Fram models range from much worse to much better than average. Read the report to see how other filters rated. Oil Filter Comparison Study - GM Truck Central

The GMC study includes an evaluation of air filters.

 

[wcjeep]

Oil filter needs to "Meet or Exceed OEM specification ". Does Fram or other "high quality " filters meet or exceed oem spec? Fram had problems well before 2011. If I'm doing an oil change I purchase Napa filters which are Wix. Wix meets or exceeds oem spec.

Why save $2 on a suspect filter? Spend the money and do it right the first time.

 

[Bayou_Pro]

I only use Toyota filter in mine. Napa Gold and Wix are also good filters.

 

[Whippersnapper02]

I bought a 10 pk of Toyota filters. The best is a new one at the proper interval. I wouldn't run Fram though.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

I've never had an issue with Fram filters, I've used their fuel filters, their oil filters and their cabin air filters for decades. Plenty of companies have had quality control issues after moving their production offshore, Optima comes to mind. I am glad to see that Jeep which shows that Fram acknowledged they had an issue and corrected it. Quoting a single YouTube video as evidence is laughable to me

 

[thetastelingers]

Been using WIX in all my vehicles for over 25 years.

 

[mgbringo]

NAPA/Wix is all I will use. I would NOT consider using Fram.

 

[MossJenks]

The thing to keep in mind is that the only part you replace in a 5th gen is the paper element itself. If you see quality-control issues with filters concerning their bypass valves, etc. are completely irrelevant - that stuff (or at least equivalents) is built into the housing and not part of the replacement filter.

The "study" that didn't like Fram filters is over 20 years old by now.

I use Purolator personally.

 

[QwikKotaTx]

NAPA/Wix is all I will use. I would NOT consider using Fram.

Fram has come a long way especially with their Ultra synthetic filters. There are goobers on the BITOG forum who are using them for THREE oil changes! I run them on my Ram but only for 8500 miles or so. I don't think they make an element style filter for the 4Runner.

Aside from the expensive TRD filter, who makes a good element style filter that has a rubber seal? I don't like how the basic Toyota filter does not seal to the filter housing base.

 

[Rustytaco]

You can never go wrong with OEM!

 

[rdruss]

Toyota filters are quality and cost diff between them and Fram is zip, why chance it?

 

[Gyprat]

Fram has come a long way especially with their Ultra synthetic filters. There are goobers on the BITOG forum who are using them for THREE oil changes! I run them on my Ram but only for 8500 miles or so. I don't think they make an element style filter for the 4Runner.

Aside from the expensive TRD filter, who makes a good element style filter that has a rubber seal? I don't like how the basic Toyota filter does not seal to the filter housing base.

Amsoil filters have quality seals on their filters. The filter elements are also more efficient than OEM. Their Signature 0W-20 oil is amazingly good. I also put Amsoil premium 100% synthetic fluid into my 2016 transmission and installed a heavy duty cooler. Factory filled trans oil was brownish at 25k miles. No towing or hard usage.

Amsoil filter part # EA15K49. $20.50 each with Preferred Customer discount.


BTW, Premium Mobil1 oil filters have no seals but hard plastic edge that won't seal well. I learned the hard way.

 

[QwikKotaTx]

Amsoil filters have quality seals on their filters. The filter elements are also more efficient than OEM. Their Signature 0W-20 oil is amazingly good. I also put Amsoil premium 100% synthetic fluid into my 2016 transmission and installed a heavy duty cooler. Factory filled trans oil was brownish at 25k miles. No towing or hard usage.

Amsoil filter part # EA15K49. $20.50 each with Preferred Customer discount.


BTW, Premium Mobil1 oil filters have no seals but hard plastic edge that won't seal well. I learned the hard way.

I used to be an Amsoil dealer (stopped after not being able to convince enough people to switch from Mobil 1) but didn't know they sold an oil filter with seals for the 1GR-FE. That is a bit much for an oil filter though. I can get OEM filters for $5 but would be willing to spend $10 for a better seal. Not sure I could jump to $20 though. Oil still looks pretty decent when I change it at 8500 miles.

What problems did you have, engine failure or just noticed crud in the system?

 

[Jbellah]

I use the OEM filter and amsoil. I will change my oil every other time

 

[TOYO74]

I use the OEM filter and amsoil. I will change my oil every other time

Interesting.

Do you mean you change the filter but not your oil at a certain interval, then the next time change both oil and filter? What mileage intervals do you use?

 

[Twilghtzone]

OEM Toyota filter. Works fine.

$7.90 single pack from Amazon.
$5.00 five pack from Amazon.

 

[Wild_Bill_Kelso]

BTW, Premium Mobil1 oil filters have no seals but hard plastic edge that won't seal well. I learned the hard way.

WOW - my Corvette dry sump I bought new is doomed......

I use Mobil 1 filters in my rides.....

 

[QwikKotaTx]

Interesting.

Do you mean you change the filter but not your oil at a certain interval, then the next time change both oil and filter? What mileage intervals do you use?

I used to do this on my Maxima as I could swap it out without having to even put the car on jack stands. With the 4Runner's horrendous skid plate and filter housing, no way am I doing that this often. But with how plain the OEM filter is, I don't feel comfortable running all the way to 10k with it. I change everything at 8500 miles.

 

[ayeyothisiskyle]

YouTube

Just use OEM. If you want to spruce it up, purchase the aluminum filter housing.

 

[enyce]

Wix or OEM oil filters. Can't go wrong with either.