What's bad about Fram oil filters?

Cut one open and compare it to most others. The parts are generally all the same... but the filters. Toyota OEM came out on top

 

Roadkill engine masters just did an episode on this that was work a watch. I will be sticking with my Napa Platinum after seeing it. Wix. Though the K&N gold actually performed the best overall with the best filtration.

 

I’ve only used OEM oil filters in my Tacoma since it was new. I really think what it boils down to is keeping up with your oil changes

 

If I remember I really a long time ago seeing a youtube video of someone opening up the inside and the "filter" was cardboard, but this was over 5 years ago.

 

I used to use fram extra guard and not ever had an issue but I was younger and not as well educated about how poorly made their cheapest filter is made. I also changed my oil often then. Those were the dino oil days.

When I moved up to the outback then the Liberty CRD I started to use wix or nappa gold. So far I haven't used any thing but the OEM Toyota filter in the Tacoma. I can get them at Walmart for $6.99 About the same as other brands.

 

I realize this is an old thread but it is so ridiculous to think you can tell how good a filter is by looking at the cut open components when the differences are as slight as they are. I am a mechanical engineer and have worked on engines half my life and can’t do that. I have used fram almost exclusively in my 03 taco and never had a problem but I change my oil and filter religiously. This argument is pure hokum. Fram is fine and actually rated to filter to a smaller particle size in some versions.

 

It’s not so much the filtering media, it’s the poor construction that most of us steer away from the orange filters. You use whatever you want but perhaps you are allowing your education to get in the way of common sense when looking at cheap cardboard parts and glue inside the filter. Also @chris4x4 did an extremely extensive filter review a decade ago. It’s been a long time but I think the OEM filter came out in the top 3 of that debate. Everyone has an opinion and that’s all anyone is offering. Also being a mechanical engineer means nothing in this debate unless you apply that education to an in-depth an extensive testing and proving ground with the filters in question.

 

Merely cutting filters apart and making arbitrary judgements about the “quality” of components a scientific study does not make. The filter sees a combined thermal and pressure load that doesn’t necessitate high strength construction under ordinary use so that argument is a red herring.

And if you don’t believe Fram’s compliance with ISO standards then nothing I can say will can convince you to doff your tinfoil hat.

 

Okay. You are right. Thanks for the correction.

 

The problem is that folks think a brand name is the same as a product line

Fram has one of the worst filters on the market.

Fram also has one of the best filters on the market.

That does not make Fram "bad" or "good", it makes Fram a brand lable that sells products of different qualities.

 

News flash Fram filters are the number one selling filter world wide, must be some thing too that. Last two Toyotas both had 300+K with Fram filters.

 

So your argument is that they mass produce a product and market it to the masses that are looking for the cheapest filter they can buy at Walmart? This in your mind equates to quality? Ford had sold more F-150’s than any other manufacturer had sold pickups. Does this make it a superior product? I mean if you like Fram and have had good service from them great. Our point is that for the money, much better options can be had.

 

I used WIX filters in my mid-80's Ford Bronco and Chevy Blazer. Their motto back then was: "WIX: Truck filters for cars." I used Mann filters on my Volvos which was the OEM supplier for them. I got excellent service from both. Once in a while I would use Fram in a pinch. What I remember about both of those brands was that they felt heavier than the generic Fram filters. Castrol GTX was my oil of choice back then. It was excellent oil. Both trucks went 150k+ and the three Volvo's went 300k+. No oil burning or consumption. But to be fair, back then the recommended dino oil change interval was every 3,000 which is what I adhered to. My Tacoma has only had OEM filters since I bought it.

 

I'd add that I can't argue with all Fram filters bad. Like @maineah said there are several product lines. I've bought the better ones in the past too. They are fine would I buy their cheapest, no.

 

Eih, this argument falls flat. Lucas sells a crap ton of their motor goo and that crap is straight garbage.

I love Fram Ultra filters, and wouldn't touch an orange can, but this argument isn't sound logic

 

The thing is, there isn't from what I have seen.

Yes, the cheap orange cans are absolute junk and better products can be had for the same or similar price.

But the Ultra is $10, has high flow and high capacity synthetic media, high quality anti drainback, solid construction, etc.

 

I agree. The Fram Ultra is good and I have used them. But when I can easily find the OEM Toyota Denso filter on a dealer website for less than anything else, it's an easy choice.

 

Yeah, I just looked at my local dealer's site and they are selling OEM for $4.64. Which is $4 cheaper than Fram Ultra at Walmart. No brainer

 

McDonald's also sells the most hamburgers doesn't make it the best burger out there