Oil filter fit

Doing my first oil change and this filter has me concerned. It’s the Wix
57041xp
It’s a very sloppy fit compared to the oem. It doesn’t seal around the perforated center tube at all.
Is this right?

 

I cannot answer your question but I would go to the local Toyota dealership and get an OEM filter. I have never liked aftermarket filters. Personally Toyota’s reliability in general is attributed to their parts, filters included. But that’s just me...

 

That does not look right at all. It should fit snug around the tube. I use OEM filters and when I put it on, I have to put a bit of effort into it because it is so snug.

 

My local dealer always had the OEM oil filters on sale for $3.99

 

I went back to the normal OEM filters after trying the TRD filters. The TRD filters sat a little wonky which I did not like but they were not as bad as what is pictured above.

Check your local Wal Mart if your dealer is far away - many Wal Marts are now carrying Toyota filters in their auto dept.

 

I buy bulk OEM filter at Amazon.

 

Walmart carries them, but you can get great deals on Amazon. I buy mine in 5 piece package through them.

 

Thanks for the reply’s. I ended up buying all the filters at Oreillys. Which was only two others.
The wix 57041 fit a lot better, but now I’m kicking myself for not getting an OEM filter. I never would have guessed they would vary so much.
I’ve got her all buttoned back up now, but I might replace the filter tomorrow with an oem for piece of mind.

 

If you pull the oil filter again I would suggest that you shit-can the plastic oil filter housing cap and replace it with a Toyota OEM aluminum one.

 

What is important is the seating top and bottom, those spots must be snug so the oil can be sucked thru the filter sides towards the crush tube. Doesn't matter crush tube is super snug or not, that is not its job, its to keep the filter from collapsing inward and provide throughput for the oil. So as long as the filters are the same Height, all is gonna be Good.

 

I guess I’m gonna run to the dealership in the morning and talk to them about that. I was planning on replacing that too.
I’m pretty annoyed with this whole filter situation.

 

That’s how I understood the filter situation

 

@weirdbeard @Johnsonman is correct.

Cartridge filters designed by Toyota, and by others for Toyotas, seal at the top and bottom of the center tube as marked below. At the top, the filter element seals against the filter adapter. At bottom, the element seals against the spring-loaded relief valve plate. The spring for the relief valve holds the element tight against the top adapter surface, and the seals at each end force oil to flow through the paper media pleats and not around the filter element. The filter shown uses a full cover over the end of the folded paper element, Toyota seals the media fold ends by gluing them shut.

Wix is the only filter I would consider if I couldn't find the OEM filter. In the past, Wix has made Toyota OEM filters, and they haven't forgotten how they did it.

 

Thank you for the explanations. I think I am beginning to wrap my mind around how it works. I measured them with a caliper and they are indeed the same length.
One thing that is weird to me. The oem and cheaper wix filter I used have rubbery seals on top and bottom. The wix xp “which was not cheap “ is hard plastic which doesn’t seem like it would seal well under the spring tension.
I guess I just really don’t like that filter.

 

Yeah, I'm with you. I prefer a little resiliency in my seals.

The harder plastic probably works because the filter adapter and the relief valve plate are both smooth, flat surfaces that don't require the seal to conform to a rough or uneven surface. As long as the spring compression is higher than the pressure drop across the filter media, the hard plastic will probably work fine. As soon as the back pressure overcomes the spring compression (dirty oil filter), and the oil pressure eases the seals off their seated positions, it's a moot point anyway.

 

I never had an issue with my Toyota thermoplastic oil housing cap. I don't go gorilla tight on it. The o-ring seals diametrically not a face seal so how tight you go doesn't make a difference in sealing. There is also anti-rotation tab that prevents it from vibrating loose. When I re-install mine, it always ends up practically back in the same spot.