OK, so I HAVE done my research through various threads here. I am in the process of changing the tranny fluid. I got the screen off and there appears to be more metal fragments in IT than on the magnets in the pan.
SO, the common knowledge here is that the screen needs to be cleaned and NOT replaced. Why is it that all 4 local car part stores here tell me that the filter/screen come in a kit with the gasket for the pan, and that it IS replaced????
With the metal fragments I can see in the screen, I would rather go ahead and replace it anyways...
Anyone else notice that the screen is to be replaced per Autozone, Advanced Auto, NAPA, and O'Reilley's?

 

I've never seen a replacement screen for our trannys come with a gasket kit, I think it's a dealer only item. The gasket kit from the dealer doesn't even come with the screen.

If you have metal shavings on the screen, your tranny isn't doing very well.

 

I bought mine with the gasket. It was $8 so I can't complain.

 

man, my dealer wanted 40 bucks just for the gasket

they did say just clean the screen a put it back in

all that hassle led me to drain/refill method.....which i really recommend if you're tranny fluid hasn't turned dark brown yet

 

Nothing to contribute

I changed my friends filter on an ES300, and it came with the screen. I dont know about maxes. But I just wanted to include that just incase the consensus was that filters dont come with springs.

 

Well, the tranny shifts GREAT. Very firm shifts. I bought the car at 90K miles, I now have 97K miles on the clock.
BTW, $18.02 at NAPA (gasket and filter)