02 Forester Auto Trans Filter

[Carmen Petruzzi]

When I had 30k miles on my '02 Subaru the dealer changed the trans fluid but
he didn't change the filter. I'm doing the 60k miles myself and when I drain
the fluid I'm going to change the filter too. Does it go on like an oil
filter - lubricate the gasket and tighten about 1 to 1-1/2 turns?

 

[Gridleakkbe3]

When I had 30k miles on my '02 Subaru the dealer changed the trans fluid but
he didn't change the filter. I'm doing the 60k miles myself and when I drain
the fluid I'm going to change the filter too. Does it go on like an oil
filter - lubricate the gasket and tighten about 1 to 1-1/2 turns?

Yes. (and he should have changed the filter too!)
Just be darn sure to wipe every particle of dirt and grime
you can see 4 times around the filter BEFORE removing
it. Subies have a NASTY habit of trapping sand and grit
around the filter mating surface and you want to do a
200% eyeball with a good light to be sure there is NO
grit or sand around the filter mating surface(s)
before-during-and-after the job. Also clean the body
floorpan above the filter BEFORE removing it. Sand collects
here too and you bump into it while the filter is off and
your in deep if it falls in. Besst to tape a clean rag above
the area to catch falling debris before removing it.

 

[Edward Hayes]

The AT filter is a NO mantancence item. I changed mine at 102,000
miles and it looked like new when I cut it open.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

The AT filter is a NO mantancence item. I changed mine at 102,000
miles and it looked like new when I cut it open.

What I heard was it is only supposed to catch whatever grit may be
inside from the factory after initial assembly. I suppsoe it couldn't
harm anything to replace - and certainly if the tranny were 'opened' for
internal work, I expect the same danger that existed when it was built
makes installing a replacement a no brainer, but not required. Does it
appear on a maintenance schedule?

Carl

 

[Edward Hayes]

Not on the mantancence schedule which goes out to 120,000 miles.
Change only if external damage or transmission opened or "it make you
feel better because your wallet is too heavy"

 

[Carmen Petruzzi]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I guess since I have it, I'll change it and
this may be the last time I do.