Trans maintenance

[jimboschnitz]

Changing the fluid and not the filter is like taking a shower and putting dirty socks and underwear back on. You might feel clean inside, but you still stink.......

 

[SouthTexan]

That is not actually the case when it comes to filters. While I never tested transmission filters when I worked for Cummins, I have tested many of fluid (coolant/fuel) filters to see an efficiency increase as the filter became more contaminated. A filter's efficiency is rated by how much contaminants it can trap versus how much it lets pass through. A higher efficiency filter traps more contaminants than a lower efficiency filter.

Air filters are the same way.

Q: Does the efficiency of an air filter element change while it is being used?
A: Yes, air filter element efficiency changes over time. Air filter elements are least efficient when they are new. The build up of contaminant (dirt) on the medium will make it more efficient over time.

FAQ's Cummins filtration

I can't imagine transmission fluid being any different. Of course there comes a point when you reach the filter's max containment hold ability. At this point it will still filter more contaminants than a new filter, but will have less flow causing restriction issues downstream of the filter.

 

[22hemi13]

That is not actually the case when it comes to filters. While I never tested transmission filters when I worked for Cummins, I have tested many of fluid (coolant/fuel) filters to see an efficiency increase as the filter became more contaminated. A filter's efficiency is rated by how much contaminants it can trap versus how much it lets pass through. A higher efficiency filter traps more contaminants than a lower efficiency filter.

Air filters are the same way.

Q: Does the efficiency of an air filter element change while it is being used?
A: Yes, air filter element efficiency changes over time. Air filter elements are least efficient when they are new. The build up of contaminant (dirt) on the medium will make it more efficient over time.

FAQ's Cummins filtration

I can't imagine transmission fluid being any different. Of course there comes a point when you reach the filter's max containment hold ability. At this point it will still filter more contaminants than a new filter, but will have less flow causing restriction issues downstream of the filter.

Speaking of air filters. I did ac for years. I cry when I see people buy those expensive filters that “trap more”. We always use the cheap thin ones. After 2 days of running they trap better and you don't lose nearly the airflow. $3.00 for a 4 pack lol. Ok back on topic.

 

[68PowerWagon]

That is not actually the case when it comes to filters. While I never tested transmission filters when I worked for Cummins, I have tested many of fluid (coolant/fuel) filters to see an efficiency increase as the filter became more contaminated. A filter's efficiency is rated by how much contaminants it can trap versus how much it lets pass through. A higher efficiency filter traps more contaminants than a lower efficiency filter.

Air filters are the same way.

Q: Does the efficiency of an air filter element change while it is being used?
A: Yes, air filter element efficiency changes over time. Air filter elements are least efficient when they are new. The build up of contaminant (dirt) on the medium will make it more efficient over time.

FAQ's Cummins filtration

I can't imagine transmission fluid being any different. Of course there comes a point when you reach the filter's max containment hold ability. At this point it will still filter more contaminants than a new filter, but will have less flow causing restriction issues downstream of the filter.

That is interesting. I have never heard it approached in this way, but it makes sense. Problem I see is how do you know if the filter is restricted or not? I would think the damage would already be done by the time you figured it out.