They have synthetic media and wire backing for strength. Where other filters have collapsed from oil pressure (Bosch) the fram ultras hold together and when I tear them down after an oil change seem to still be good for another couple thousand miles.
The whole grippy-textured surface at the top so you can hand tighten and loosen them like you're supposed to is brilliant.
Fram makes GM oil filters. At least they used to. Compare the black (factory) filter or the AC blue filter next to a Fram. Same dimples beneath the grip on the Fram. IIRC there are two companies that make most of the normal oil filters. Even the expensive Mobile 1 filters, though those just use higher micron elements is all. Wix is the other company. Not sure who makes Subaru's but I'm sure it's the same story. Been personally using them for decades, never had an issue. Wife rolled her Honda over 500K using them every 5,000 miles.
There is that possibility, I have had a Fram filter that self disintegrate inside due to age of the filter ( I had them for a while before use).... when I finally took out the filter and shakes it, it was definitely loose. It was causing that same oil filter light intermittently.
I have used Fram for 20+ years. Every single car lasted well over 116,000 miles. I have seen the issues, complaints, and so on, just lucky I guess. If I could get the FRAM filter for it, I used it. Then again, back then, on some of those models, they were a better filter.
With synthetic oil do you need a fancy filter? Since I change them very religiously, I wouldn't think it would matter. I use the FRAM filter (standard size).
Now, whenever I do a cold start the engine rattles like a diesel for about 30 seconds... and then you hear the difference... \"whoosh!\", and then the engine settles right down and idles normally.
The good news is that the Dodge dealer I got it from changed the oil & filter; the bad news is that they used basic Valvoline and a Fram filter.
Indeed, lack a drain back valve in many applications, poor quality, low pleat count, horrible filtration numbers, general poor build quality.
Fram filters do NOT have an anti drain back valve in them.
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