darcyh
Well-known member
Anyone know who makes Bosch filters? I use them on my Toyotas. Filter and box says made in USA.
Apparently not a Fram guy!
- Thread starter crazytrain
- Start date
Also , any idea how they rank on the quality scale? I use them as well and have always assumed they were the equivalent of the NAPA Gold/ WIX.
KPSquared
Well-known member
Another Wix/Napa Gold guy here. Same filters.
Every year NAPA has their big filter sale. I just buy cases for all my vehicles. 50% off makes things freakin cheap.
I refuse to shop at or support wal-mart in any way. I hate that place. Everything is pure garbage. Smells like white trash heaven. No thanks. Can't believe anyone could say "if Wal-Mart sells it, it MUST be good" with a straight face. . .
Every year NAPA has their big filter sale. I just buy cases for all my vehicles. 50% off makes things freakin cheap.
I refuse to shop at or support wal-mart in any way. I hate that place. Everything is pure garbage. Smells like white trash heaven. No thanks. Can't believe anyone could say "if Wal-Mart sells it, it MUST be good" with a straight face. . .
KPSquared
Well-known member
Oh, and check out fleetfilter.com for good deals on WIX and Baldwin filters.
SMKS
Well-known member
Purolator makes them.
Well, it's actually a little more confusing that than, because Bosch is one of the companies that now owns Purolator.
http://www.purolatorautofilters.net/Pages/home.aspx
Check out the line at the bottom of the website:
Maybe the Fram filters will be better:
"FRAM® and LUBER-FINER® Heavy-Duty customers can expect improvements and changes that will bring together the "best of the best" product designs and enhancements as production is consolidated into the Champion Laboratories facilities in Albion, IL"
http://www.framheavyduty.com/news/f...filtration-businesses-to-form-fram-filtration
The new group website for UCI-FRAM:
http://uci-fram.com/
"UCI-FRAM Group is a part of New Zealand's Rank Group Limited. Information about Rank Group can be found at www.rankgroup.co.nz"
"FRAM® and LUBER-FINER® Heavy-Duty customers can expect improvements and changes that will bring together the "best of the best" product designs and enhancements as production is consolidated into the Champion Laboratories facilities in Albion, IL"
http://www.framheavyduty.com/news/f...filtration-businesses-to-form-fram-filtration
The new group website for UCI-FRAM:
http://uci-fram.com/
"UCI-FRAM Group is a part of New Zealand's Rank Group Limited. Information about Rank Group can be found at www.rankgroup.co.nz"
djjsr
Well-known member
I ran a BBC alcohol dragster for many years and changed the oil every 3 passes so I did more oil changes than the average guy. Used the Fram HP filters and NEVER had a problem (me and a LOT of other guys).
I'm not going to change your mind and you're not going to change mine, so use whatever you want. I don't care.
Is that dead horse thing still around?
I'm not going to change your mind and you're not going to change mine, so use whatever you want. I don't care.
Is that dead horse thing still around?
roblouvasz
Well-known member
This is very interesting. I've always used Fram filters for the past 10 or so years on three different cars and never had a problem with the filters or the engines. As a matter of fact I don't think I've ever heard of anyone with a filter failure. I'd hate to be the first so I'll be switching to Wix or Hastings.
There was a post I read on a forum a few years back from a guy that totally bashed Fram filters. He was invited to their plant and is now a convert. I will see if I can find it.
For me, it is WIX/NAPA Gold or Purolator - whichever is cheaper when I stock up.
------------------
Found the article:
Eating crow, Fram oil filters, and my visit to Fram's R&D facility in Dayton Ohio
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/e...visit-frams-r-d-facility-dayton-ohio-1261517/
For me, it is WIX/NAPA Gold or Purolator - whichever is cheaper when I stock up.
------------------
Found the article:
Eating crow, Fram oil filters, and my visit to Fram's R&D facility in Dayton Ohio
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/e...visit-frams-r-d-facility-dayton-ohio-1261517/
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After watching the video I ran out to the shop and disassembled a Fram chrome motorcycle filter (purchased from Walmart). It looked nothing like the orange Fram filter shown in the video. It had metal end caps, numerous pleats (didn't count them) spring at back end of filter,and the rubber anti drain back valve. It looked similar to other filters in the video. Maybe the guy should have opened one of these. Buy what you're comfortable with. Do your own 'testing'. 
Charles (in GA)
Well-known member
Not every filter company can cover every filter part number. Indeed, some of the odd p/n filters are only made by one or two companies, and everyone else has them private labeled for them.
In some cases, the private labeled filters are different, at the request of the company they are being made for.
The high volume part numbers, they are generally made in house by whoever's name is on the outside.
If you buy a decent brand name, you won't go wrong. Wix, Purolator, Hastings.
Wix makes most of the NAPA filters. Purolator makes virtually all of the Motorcraft filters.
An outfit named Champion Laboratories makes many private labeled filters for the various oil companies such as Valvoline, Quaker State, and the various auto parts store lines. Generally they are actually good filters, but not the best.
The post above with the link to the oil filter study, you should visit the link. It is old, but much of the info is still a good education.
Charles
DarkMonohue
Well-known member
Fram does not make it onto anything I own. The Jeep gets a NAPA/Wix or Purolator, depending on where I am when I realize it's due for an oil change, and the Toyotas get OEM filters only. I am picky, so I use the real made-in-Japan Denso version with the old school crystal matrix element. Minor strings have to be pulled to get them from Toyota, but the MR2 and Lotus guys love them.
Then again, I may have to reevaluate my strategy since Wal-Mart doesn't carry them.
Then again, I may have to reevaluate my strategy since Wal-Mart doesn't carry them.
ajchien
Well-known member
The Bosch premium is the same as the Purolator pure one.
ajchien
Well-known member
Can anyone add more / correct to the list?
Dan in Pasadena
Well-known member
When I was a teenager thru 20-something guy I used Frams ALL the time.
I'm 57 now and haven't heard good things about them from anyone but themselves in decades. But I gotta ask, does anyone else but me think Wix LOOK cheapo? Yeah, I know it doesn't matter, just asking.
I'm 57 now and haven't heard good things about them from anyone but themselves in decades. But I gotta ask, does anyone else but me think Wix LOOK cheapo? Yeah, I know it doesn't matter, just asking.
For a partial list for Champion, go their website, and on the lower right, you will see "We proudly make and distribute the following brands:"
You will see a bunch of brand names.
http://www.champlabs.com/
raskal
Well-known member
if you're into reading hours of information on filters and oils, check out http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/
I've used fram filters for decades without any issues. In fact I've never personally heard of any problems. I think it's just one of those urban myths that the Internet passes along similar to how armorall destroys dashboards. I don't use it any more, use mobil1 oil filters nowadays just because I use mobil1 oil and don't mind paying premium prices for premium parts, just a personal preference.
I still use fram air filters they seem to be well constructed and seal well.
I still use fram air filters they seem to be well constructed and seal well.
You're probably right. Plus, those same reported problems were from decades ago. There's a very good chance that the problems were related to a manufacturing defect that was corrected long ago. It's not like something like that doesn't happen from time-to-time (e.g. Audi, Toyota).
I just have a hard time paying more for a Fram oil filter when there are other brands out there are the less expensive and better built.
Zeke
Well-known member
Believe it or not, there is a Euro version. It is black. But the fitment is for Euro Cars, AFAIK.
Gradyhd
Active member
I might be more interested if the Fram filter would have been cut open on video, not just showing it after the fact. I totally agree with djjsr's post. I've always used Fram, I've always heard the horror stories, but I've never lost an engine from oiling problems. Just my opinion on the subject.
niget2002
Well-known member
I switched to WIX about a year ago. Didn't really have a reason, just thought I'd try something new.
CaseyJoes.
Well-known member
Another here for Wix/Napa Gold (General use) , Fleetguard (for my Cummins), Mann Filters (for my Jetta).
Also would consider Baldwin's filters top notch as well.
Also would consider Baldwin's filters top notch as well.
Gradyhd
Active member
Might be a little too late in the post, and most probably don't care, but here's an interesting article.
http://www.wranglerforum.com/f5/eat...s-r-and-d-facility-in-dayton-ohio-111282.html
http://www.wranglerforum.com/f5/eat...s-r-and-d-facility-in-dayton-ohio-111282.html
Thanks to Gradyhd for posting above Fram information that balances this out a bit. Although not a Fram supporter, I've used their filters over past 30+ years (luckily without any issues, mainly due to 3K oil change routine). Lately their pricing always seems higher, and their marketing more deliberate in trying to convince you that Fram is the way to go.
In above Wranglerforum, Fram does admit they had quality issues a few years back that DID allow sub-standard filters to get sold to the public. That might be enough to lose a customer for life, like the YouTube poster.
What I take from this is customer must always be aware of what they're buying and pay attention to details. Also, NOT smart to buy case of old Fram filters that someone has had in warehouse for last 10 years!
In above Wranglerforum, Fram does admit they had quality issues a few years back that DID allow sub-standard filters to get sold to the public. That might be enough to lose a customer for life, like the YouTube poster.
What I take from this is customer must always be aware of what they're buying and pay attention to details. Also, NOT smart to buy case of old Fram filters that someone has had in warehouse for last 10 years!
AZ Pete
Well-known member
I have been using Toyota filters in my Tundra, Camry and Corolla, any opinions on the OEM filters? BTW, I use Wix in other applications.
DarkMonohue
Well-known member
No problem with the OEM Toyota filter. They are a safe choice and I don't feel the need to second-guess the factory engineers. Marketing is another story because of the common assumption that anything at a dealership is overpriced, and some people will remain convinced of that no matter what you tell them (the "daddy told me" mentality), but they are much more competitively priced than people realize. List price on a Toyota oil filter is a whopping $5.41 and has been for at least eight years...
dolfans
Well-known member
I use Wix or Mopar filters. Have a Ford for stepdaughter and if i change oil it may get mototrcraft if cheaper than Wix or Purolator. Ever heard of one from a parts store,filters called parts plus if so who makes them
AZ Pete
Well-known member
Thanks, I think that I have been paying $4.00 for Toyota filters at the dealership, usually buy a half dozen or more at a time, since we have three Toyota's (mine, wife's and granddaughter's).
krivasgarage
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2010
- Messages
- 196
What he said.
I've been using Fram for years no issues.
Some manufacturers (including Fram) make a plastic core filter of the drop-in variety that fits but does not work properly in the GM LY7 because the filter actually spins when the engine is running.
I wonder how all those other manufacturers make such perfect filters that no one ever has a problem with any of them. Amazing how no one ever installs a filter wrong, has an engine issue that blows up one of their filters. Amazing. It's like cars - people crash Volvos, and when they get hurt, they think, "Glad the car saved my life" and tell all their friends. Same crash and injuries in a GM or Ford or Dodge, and it's a POS so they hire a lawyer. lol.
But, like belly buttons and the other things, everyone's got an opinion. Thanks for reading mine.
Displaced Hokie
Well-known member
Not saying I would today knowing what I know...but I ran nothing but the orange Frams on my old Honda and zero problems in 251,000 miles. I did the math once and I changed the oil in that thing 83 times.
p_mori7
Well-known member
I use OEM filters only on my wife's car. They are dirt cheap for the quality. $4.75ea.
Same thing for my company truck, only it's the dealer that does the work.
Same thing for my company truck, only it's the dealer that does the work.
problem with filter comparisons is the fact that people tend to use the cheapo orange fram filter against filters twice the price. Fram has at least 3 tiers for most applications.
extra guard-dirt cheap, 3k intervals
tough guard-more comparable to other brands, synthetic media, best filtration, few dollars more expensive, 5-7k intervals
extended guard-all metal/mesh construction, no glue or cardboard, 10k+ intervals
extra guard-dirt cheap, 3k intervals
tough guard-more comparable to other brands, synthetic media, best filtration, few dollars more expensive, 5-7k intervals
extended guard-all metal/mesh construction, no glue or cardboard, 10k+ intervals
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countryroad82
Well-known member
I have cut STP and AC Delco filters apart and they are worlds different than how the Frams I have cut apart look. I haven't bought them in years but the STP/ AC Delco were in the same price range if not cheaper than Fram.
djjsr
Well-known member
countryroad82
Well-known member
You must have missed my original post, not going to try to change anyones mind, it is your money after all, but when I had old guys telling me I was stupid for using Fram and I wouldn't listen, then HAD it happen I started buying into the Fram bashing. When you have thousands of hard earned dollars wrapped up in an engine it makes you very nervous when the oil pressure drops to zero at 8,000 rpm and climbing.
Just thinking about that and if my math is right it took me a good 2 seconds to see my idiot light (dirt track car, I had a light wired to my gauge on the dash so I wouldn't have to constantly take my eyes off the track to check gauges, light comes on/ somethings wrong) and probably a good second before the light came on, then at least 5 seconds for me to get out of the way of all the other racers so nobody would get hurt add that up and that is 8 seconds with zero oil pressure.
Now at idle the wouldn't hurt a whole lot but add in that I was on the loud pedal and pulling hard. If I were at 8 grand that is 8000 revolutions of the crankshaft per minute, that is 133.3333333 revolutions per second. At 8 seconds and round the revolutions per second to 133.31ish that is 1066.48 times my engine turned before I got it shut down because I had to get out of the way. Granted it didn't hurt the engine horribly but when I did a teardown a few races later there was evidence of heat buildup and minor galling.
So not really trying to be a smarta$$ and my math might be off a little (or a lot
) I thought I would tell that the filter collapse does happen, coming from personal experiance. And yes I did cut the offending filter apart and it had sucked together and clogged up to the piont of no pressure. But anywho that is my writeup on why I hate Fram. 
I was at WM over the weekend and checked out the oil filters.
The "cheapo orange fram filter" runs about $5 at WM for my vehicles. Across the aisle, I noticed that the Purolator Classic for my vehicles is a buck or two cheaper.
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Kevin54
MEMBER EMERITUS
Where I worked, they used Fram as sort of a benchmark for quality control and quite a few times a year would have excursions to Fram. Then they would come back and use different ideas from Fram to help cut cost, and increase production output. BTW... we do a lot of items for Boeing. I don't fly 
I was at WM over the weekend and checked out the oil filters.
The "cheapo orange fram filter" runs about $5 at WM for my vehicles. Across the aisle, I noticed that the Purolator Classic for my vehicles is a buck or two cheaper.
ymmv but in my area the extra guards routinely go on sale for about $3 and change.