So I spoke with a mechanic this morning after reading the post about the CVT transmission filter. He said that there is no reason to change this filter, which I could not believe. Last week I took my car to this same shop and had my CVT fluid changed. I called today to see if they changed my filter when they did the transmission drain. These people have actually worked on the car I had previous to my Maxima. I kinda liked and trusted these people. Now I'm kinda skeptical. I guess I need a new place to take my car.

 

If your mechanic told you there is no reason to change it, why do you differ from his opinion? Just asking as there is no mention of this filter change in the maintenance schedule. At least I couldn't find any. I know some on here have changed that filter, but it was because they wanted to, not because there was a requirement to do so. Your mechanic didn't see a requirement, why discount the trust you have in his abilities. Now if you instructed you mechanic to change out the CVT filter with the fluid change and he didn't do it then that would be a different story.

 

Even Nissan dealers don't touch that filter

 

Thank you for the feedback. I did not instruct them to change it. And honestly I'm not much of an engine guy. That being said I was just leaning more towards the guys on here who are engine guys. And not that anyone said it was a must do thing. But just the fact that they were changing theirs kinda made me think I should change mine. I just bought my 09 two weeks ago so I'm just trying to do all the preventative things I can.

 

That just seems odd. Doesn't it get dirty like any other filter?

 

No because there is no combustion going inside the CVT like there is inside the cylinder walls of a running engine.

 

"Dirty" is a very loose term here, why CVT filter not get dirty? Dirt in transmission fluid can be debris, dust, metal shavings, soot, or any other impurity. That's one reason they put magnets in the tranny pan. Without an efficient filters these debris will float damaging the internals overtime, or restrict flow if clogged.
Does the "Nissan" mechanical "bible" state to service or replace this filter? No (and you can not even blame independent shops too), hell even many part managers at Nissan don't know it even exists!
Is it important to change that filter? Oh gosh yes!

 

Thanks Richard66. It's just logical.

 

I meant to say thanks mahanddeen.

 

You can (if you're very concerned) buy the filter online from Nissan (or order from a local dealer) and hand it to the mechanic and ask to replace it (if they are fast and plug the 2 tubes getting in and out from filter) practically you'll not loose any meaningful amount of CVT fluid doing that.

 

Sounds good. I'll even buy another quart of CV-2 if need be.

 

From my post of the dissection of the CVT filter, mine had 107,325km on it, I would be fine with someone saying it doesn't need to be replaced. The CVT system is closed-loop in the sense that foreign materials are not introduced, the CVT doesn't produce acids, and shouldn't produce debris.....if all is going fine.

The primary reason to replace this filter should be: if your transmission failed, grenaded, created its own kibbles & bits and you intend to rebuild the same unit and keep the same radiator with internal CVT cooler in place. In this scenario, the filter MUST be replaced as it will be full of debris, and might be torn or very restricted for oil flow.

Why did I replace mine? because I was curious and the thing wasn't hard to replace or expensive either. YMMV.

 

Change because you didn't know what the previous owner did.....lets say the fluid wasn't changed ever.....or the radiator developed a leak and the cooling system wasn't working 100 percent burning the Cvt fluid up or anything like that.....for piece of mind why not do it....I did it....you won't lose that much fluid either. Also do another drain and refill first and then do it......cause all the fluid doesn't come out anyway so you good IMO, now you have even more newer fluid plus the filter.

 

Thanks for all the info guys.

 

Hi, same issues here with and Audi A6 CVT the mechanic does not want to change the filter so I have it, it is save to change by myself after the oil being change (yesterday) ? Does do any hurts if its after the oil change ?