How to clean and reuse automatic transmission filter

How to clean and reuse automatic transmission filter

[@Gary-Anglebrandt]

This is great. Ended up here while looking up why my new TH400 filter looks different from the old one. Turns out the old one is for high flow, less restrictive, with a brass screen instead of paper filter. Never had any problems with the transmission so would rather stick to what works than put in this new one with the paper filter. Cleaning and reusing -- always a better way when possible -- is just the thing. TY!

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Thanks for info 👍

[@stefan2george]

I love this guy’s accent! Something between Borat and Dracula! Great job and love that he is thinking outside of the box!

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

👍😃

[@hamiltonmucavel4186]

One Vote for dracula😆

[@facundonu]

great video. so many people replacing perfectly good reusable parts...

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Very true!

[@MrRayden6]

They say the aftermarket one clog faster than oem

[@freddyflintstoned913]

I just cleaned one with hot water and LAs Awesome. Back flushed it and cleaned until water ran clear. Flushed it with distilled wate and let it dry in the air flow of a fan for 12 hours. Reinstalled.

[@LittleJimmyNorton]

LA's Totally awesome is the shit! I clean everything with it.

[@meta5291]

Great idea! I would use a pressurized fluid to go in the reverse direction, and also agitate the thinner to dislodge fine particles. Finally run some ATF in reverse to flush out the thinner. But great idea and thanks for the video.

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Good 👍

[@dat_mf_tae9865]

Vampire or mechanic ?

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Ok. :-)

[@mwayimchuchu6588]

thanks for the video i will give it a go. I am in Malawi its hard to get spares this side, i have since checked for a replacement of an automatic transmission filter for BMW 318i, e46 2004 model with no luck. The car was idle for 2 years as a precaution i want to replace all fluids before any test. Any recommendations on the alternative Automatic Transmission Fluids apart from the BMW branded type?

[@ewzm]

Valvoline MaxLife Full Synthetic Multi-vehicle seems to cover most vehicles except Chrysler. BMW is on the list of covered vehicles on the label. Complete list at Valvoline.com

[@hamidizadi]

Toyota claims their oil strainers are lifetime, but if you are going through the headache of dropping the pan you might as well replace the filter. Toyota strainers cost about $150-$200 CAN for oem. I tried cleaning my strainer with APC to see if you can reuse it. Big mistake, the metal turned gold and gave off this brownish color after wipping clean. I think your technique is good. Using thinner or mineral spirits or even Fresh ATF would be the correct way to properly clean the strainer without damaging it. Even if you changed all the parts yourself: new gasket, new bolts, new drain plug, new washer, threalocker, new strainer and 8-10L of ATF for a complete flush all from oem parts it will cost you about $400-$500 CAN. Up here you need to change every single part when doing any job cause everything rusts. Reusing your filter would save you a lot.

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Noted 👍😀

[@huwbishop6995]

I would use something less solvent to clean it, such as parrafin (kerosene). Less chance of damaging seals or o'rings. Then blow gently through with an air line to remove any excess.

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Thank You for feedback. :-)

[@MrRayden6]

Yes I used kerosene to clean my oem filter,with a thin plastoc around the corners to get all of the gunk and slush inside

[@jdmcars-lt6499]

Good job but I would suggest use thinners and acetones on parts which supposed to be soaked in for sometime, flushing just help a bit. The same with car wash. We use pressurised water washers for best results. The same with oily car parts - good old pressurised can of brake cleaner

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Thanks.

[@kurtheffner3397]

yes a good thorough cleaning is so smart!! thanks for the how too.

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Thanks for watching!

[@alecsgsx]

i use a spray for cleaning motorcicle chain, works well with oil end grease plus blowing in the same time! it's really cheap!

[@mitsyrobinson100]

Hi what's the name of the spray that you use

[@omegaman7241]

this works good, I soak it and shake it good as new... nice video Peter

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Thanks 👍

[@ewzm]

Tiny metal particles lodged in my filter screen did not come out with washing. I don't feel comfortable putting the filter back into my transmission with these particles, so I'm replacing it with a new one.

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Good comment and Thanks ! 😀👍

[@FELIXJRSULO]

Good eve sir. What kind of filter element is inside that filter? is it like the paper type or the metal strainer type? And what kind of thinner did you used for cleaning it? Thank you in advance sir more power to your channel.

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Thanks for info 👍

[@lisa-anne5279]

Mine cost $246.40 NZD wish it was as cheap ad all the other comments. I will be trying this.

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Thanks Madam. :-)

[@mallekwaters132]

Is your thinner the regular paint variety, like can I get it at a craft or paint store? Will Acetone work? (I'm new to car maintenance, sorry.)

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Works too

[@SHADZ6523]

My dodge transmission filter change here in melbourne Australia cost me $380. That's just transmission. If I do the service for oil as well cost over $500😳😭 now I've done my own oil and filter change. But still can't find a cheap trans filter for my car😭

[@GarenP]

Do you need to wear a mask while cleaning with paint thinner? How did you dispose of the waste fluid? Thanks for the vid!

[@Bigshoots86]

Bucket emptied into the street!

[@stluc1233]

@@Bigshoots86 😡😡😡 you want buddy to get a citation. They have places that accept used chemicals. You can even call your local county or city department on to how you can properly dispose those liquids.

[@olblu8746]

Can you do a video on cleaning the laquer fluid for cleaning another filter? Thanks

[@steves5355]

Should be able to let it sit undisturbed long enough to let the dirt and such to settle

[@kurtheffner3397]

what do you end up doing with your dirty gas when your done just curious thanks

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

I put gasoline waste oil in a canister and recycling

[@spardzwennar]

Thankyou for this video, bleh bleh bleh, Very helpful. I'm using kerosene.

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Great!

[@alexckelly1]

So, did this transmission work after you cleaned the filter? Thanks! :)

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Yes it does!

[@JSPHValentine]

I have a 01 Camry 2.2L , my car does NOT go into drive BUT it does reverse. It just started happening recently . …No hard shifting , no grinding or burning smells. …I changed fluid and filter and still won’t drive . Would you recommend changing the internal trans. Solenoids ? Please help and thank you 🙏🏻

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Hi, you need a new gearbox.

[@JSPHValentine]

@@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor so is it better just to junk the car since a new gearbox is pricey and it’s too old of a car?

[@scienceandtechnology1122]

awsm work i like it ... realy great job

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

+Ejaz Ahmed Hi and many Thanks for feedback. :-)

[@talhamalik3353]

Looks like a metal mesh filter inside, sure it can be cleaned provided mesh is not broken or damaged from inside.

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Good comment and Thanks 👍👍👍😀

[@markus.n9433]

Ei vittu rallienglanti 6/5 😂😂😂 Hyvä video! 👍

[@patrick9761]

mine is over a hundred dollars this is good method :)

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Thanks for feedback. :-)

[@ivansanders8459]

Top video. Saved me money.

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Thank You, Great to hear. :-)

[@98ratboy]

I would have tied a donut magnet to a string and swished it around the bucket and see if it picked up any fine metallic debris. But I agree with most others, if it's available where you live, just buy a new filter.

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Thanks 👍

[@carlosmunguia3130]

In my opinion the transmission filter should not be washed because there are small metal particles that with the cleaning was not removed many parts retailers have that erroneous opinion that only washes and installs. My point of view is. a new filter works better than a filter used with thousands of mine that is my opinion another observation a pair of new shoes are better than a worn out retrace a transmission how much it is worth and the workmanship how much goes for everything and how much a filter costs. ok another point of view why they use oil that is not from the manufacturer use other oil of low quality use the original guarantee their work and protect the Beiculo for saving a few villes and make a disaster over time

[@awacs888]

your right...rather change a new one...but in some countries parts are hard to come by and or at exorbitant prices

[@bruceparada8750]

good video, i always chose to change them since they only cost a couple of bucks...

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Great and Thank You. :-)

[@freddyflintstoned913]

if it was 2 bucks

[@GAMINGZERO1884]

Mine is 100usd is it cheap enough to buy? Lets just clean it

[@kamaster1011]

I see people do this especially when the part is no longer available in store or online

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Good info

[@omegaman7241]

does this model have a paper filter? My nissan altima also has a round paper element filter in addition to the screen filter

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Metal

[@rizalsaiful6058]

Thinner is not dissolved enough for matic oil rather than gasoline..?

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Borh works, Thinner is powerful

[@anitamalouw9513]

Can it be done on 1.2 automatic Renault 2008 Clio 111 16v

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Yes. Yes. This can also be done well with French baguettes, or Renoo. Like France, Bonjour

[@aaronajbird07]

What about Dawn Dish soap?? wouldn't that work good, rinse it out good afterwards and let dry good for a day ???

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Yes, it is good too !

[@garylangley4502]

I use Purple Power for a lot of degreasing type jobs. It's a possibility. It is very strong. I cleaned the valve covers on another car with it and they looked like new.

[@honeybear8485]

e

[@honeybear8485]

thanks you said me money you my friendddddd now :)

[@danwilliams6769]

Simple green cleaner is water based and will not harm any rubber or gasket materials-flush and let dry or use low psi air to empty out!@@garylangley4502

[@richardchilipepper]

Can you also use a magnet to pull the metal shreds out of the filter?

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Ok and Thanks

[@Shade_Tree_Mechanic]

Great idea

[@joshuamarks6175]

Nice video brother

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Thanks, Good info. 👍😃

[@faiz6422]

Can i use brake cleaner?

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Yes

[@Rookie_DIY]

Hi. What was the cleaner you used?

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Gasoline !

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Thinner

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Dawn

[@kellychapman5193]

Said Benzene, we make it at the refinery I work at. Bad stuff a serious carcinogen

[@Troymatti]

sure You can clean it from old oil but it's hard to get all the metal debris

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Yes

[@jojo-jj]

The detergent & gloves cost more than a brand new filter ...

[@meta5291]

Depends on where you are in the world. And sometimes replacement parts are not even available

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Noted 👍

[@heidis8713]

OMG you are messier than me!

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Sorry. :-)

[@Pabkojdim]

Would engine degreaser work

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Great comment 👍😀

[@honeybear8485]

thanks trying to flush on a transmission is not working well so I really don't want to buy a new transmission filter if it's not going to help right now.. hey 16 bucks is 16 bucks when you need ithaha. it's not about the money but you saved me money now you my frienddddd. just don't bite me.ha...ps.. get yourself some purple Power if you haven't tried it it's pretty damn good....

[@gwadry]

Very great job

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Thank You for Your comment. :-) BR Peter

[@waeiltobgy5301]

thank you peter bmw 750i cost about £130 its not cheap , if they told you thats cheep that mean there car is cheap

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Ok and Thanks. :-)

[@Ik13454]

Five years later!!!! Sitting in my 08 750i about to clean that stupidly expensive filter out!!!!!!! You gave me the courage lol

[@jimanneken9135]

good job

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Thank You, Your feedback is very important to me. :-)

[@toddfurgason5683]

Can you boil the filter in water.

[@professormdepha8369]

What type of magnet

[@olaniyiolumide211]

Is this peugeot 307 gearbox filter?

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

It's Toyotas filter

[@yupsir791]

mine cost $7 on a Geo metro. I'll be buying new.

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Thanks.

[@RockandrollNegro]

+Angel catillo, the transmission filter is worth twice the value of your Geo Metro.

[@heidis8713]

@@RockandrollNegro I'm on the floor. :D

[@richgorsuch2667]

Well done. Thanks for sharing.

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Thank You for Your comment. :-)

[@jesusgodjr9873]

I clean mine other it will take me 4 weeks ship to haiti🇭🇹

[@10032_dropout]

92 corolla?

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

yes

[@10032_dropout]

awesome got a question since we drive the samething do you have any idea why my car jerks when I accelerate but it only happens when my engine is up to temp

[@egyptiandiver1]

great job

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Great info and Thank You. :-)

[@steven-ky2ps]

I didn't know Mr. Bean was a "mechanic"

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Yeah and Thanks ! :-)

[@nedoscarsandfishingvideos5500]

Filter is like 15 $ just change it all that work

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Good

[@mikemike3939]

İs there someone who knows if this filter fits ae101 4afe engine or another model?

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Good comment. 👍😀

[@mikemike3939]

@@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor have been using that car

[@KennysLyfe]

what happens if i do not change/clean the filter, but just change the fluids over time?

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Your gearbox last less.

[@showgirlsaroundtheworldada4484]

why bother changing fluid if your not going to change the filter? really? do you understand why there is a filter? ...

[@thingshappen9199]

​@@showgirlsaroundtheworldada4484 metal filters can just be cleaned as opposed to cheap paper filters.

[@midnightraiin4035]

woulsnt acetine work better it dries quicly leaving i believe bo residue (though i could be wrong)

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

😁

[@RagedContinuum]

I think i will buy a replacement instead

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Ok

[@maximilianbutton5389]

The problem is, the replacement has paper insert inside instead of a metal mesh screen, so it will be prone to clogging up more. Cleaning the original filter is a way to go!

[@ledx2164]

mama mia

[@karllipbaum1847]

Blah blah blah I vant to clean ur filter

[@cossieracingguys9657]

Cost of new filter £10 Cost of cleaning chemicals £10,000 🤣🤣🤔👎👎

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Ok

[@jneusbaum3697]

lexus es300...140.00 USD

[@Phil-D83]

they are so cheap, why even waste time doing this? still cool that you can though

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Thank You!

[@poopl00p3r]

philip dias so u don't have to drive around looking for one at every single damn store

[@Phil-D83]

sam strothers just order online

[@freddyflintstoned913]

Mines 20 bucks

[@freddyflintstoned913]

Toyota

[@PeterFinnTheCarDoctor]

Yes Man