mjb32803

I have looked around on the outside of the CVT and not found anything resembling a filter. I'm sure it at least would have one internally, but I have no idea the quality of filtration on it. Don't have access to a FSM. Next time I head in for an oil change, will ask about built in fluid filter. If it has a good quality one, I might consider removing the Magnefine. I read a lot of good things about the Magnefine, and I especially like the fact I can easily change it out. It is strapped to the frame right near the radiator overflow bottle. I figured changing it every 25-30k miles would be good. I only have 8K miles on my Legacy and have a 2" receiver to do some occasional trailer towing. Probably get the CVT drained and filled when it's time to change the filter. While I don't do heavy towing, I don't buy the CVT fluid being "lifetime" under normal driving conditions. QUOTE=jp233;4573466]So the CVT doesnt have an OEM filter somewhere? Interesting. Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 4

Does anyone have thoughts, or better yet actual measurements of the increase in pressure caused by placing a transmission cooler and/or fluid filter (like the Magnefine) into the cooling loop? I'm sure there is some added restriction that increases fluid pressure... just wondering how much and is that a negative affect? For instance, does it put more stress on the fluid pump mechanism in the transmission?

Update: After 30 minutes of highway driving on a 90 degree day, the temp of fluid coming from the CVT and going into the cooler is about 152 degrees. Coming out of the cooler 127. What I find interesting is that now the fluid goes into the bottom of the radiator cooler where the coolant measured about 145 degrees, so the radiator cooler is actually going to WARM the CVT fluid. This might be a good thing to keep the fluid at a more constant temperature, especially in the winter.

Great DIY instructions! Thought I would throw in my experiences installing a Hayden 677 in my 2013 Legacy Limited. This is the 2.5 engine with the CVT. I made the assumption that the fluid lines flowed the same as the regular automatic. WRONG. The hoses are BACKWARD in the CVT. The REAR hose is the HOT fluid from the CVT. I verified this by installing a short piece of clear hose, starting the engine and watching the fluid direction flow. My install goes from the hot CVT through the Hayden cooler, out the top of the cooler and through a Magnefine filter. Then it goes through the radiator cooler and back to the CVT.