10-speed transmission filter rattle

[elaterite]

Hi -

2021 Ranger with the 10R80 10-speed transmission.

Have you changed a transmission filter? Did you notice the new filter rattling inside when shook?

I ordered a filter online. It was shipped in the original sealed Motorcraft box, but there was no packing inside of the box.

The filter rattles when I shake it. I'm wondering if that is normal or if something is broken inside? (Note: The filter elements accessible through the pickup hole are tight and don't move. The rattle is coming from something deeper inside of the case.)

Thanks!
Bob

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[Grumpaw]

I'm 99.9% sure there is a small magnet inside the filter....an additional one besides the magnet attached to the tranny pan.
Probably the magnet rattling around.

 

[Andrew27]

The rattler is from the “thermal plate” inside the filter. Here is an article that better explains what that is.

https://www.transmissiondigest.com/10r80-10l90-ford-gm-ten-speed-unique-filter-system/

 

[elaterite]

Thanks for the info and link!

About half way down the article they write:

"We have been told that the thermal plate has been eliminated. The engineering theory is the fluid viscosity will control the volume of fluid through each media in the same manner without the thermal plate. Although the part number for the Ford filter did not change, the part number for the Ford 10-speed filter is #HL3Z-7A098-A (referred to as a screen assembly)."

The article is dated 2019.

The filter I recently bought does have the ledge molded into the case as if the thermal plate were still being used, but it's possible they removed the plate and did not change the tooling for the case.

Whatever the case, the rattle most certainly seems to be coming from the fairly large magnet in the corner of the case. I shinned a light through the case and I can see embossed ridges that the magnet sets on. I can't see what's on the other side however. But it makes sense that it would be floating in there such that the fluid passes easily over both sides of the magnet.

Maybe I'll go to the parts store and have them dig out a filter for me to look at, but for now, I feel pretty good that the magnet is suppose to be loose in that corner. It's confined in the corner so it seems to be how it was designed.

Thanks, both of you, for the replies! Very helpful!

Oh, and I might add: A two sage transmission filter with a thermal plate, good grief, whatever happen to the nice simple cars and trucks I learned to wrench on in the '60s? o_0

 

[Andrew27]

Thanks for the info and link!

About half way down the article they write:

"We have been told that the thermal plate has been eliminated. The engineering theory is the fluid viscosity will control the volume of fluid through each media in the same manner without the thermal plate. Although the part number for the Ford filter did not change, the part number for the Ford 10-speed filter is #HL3Z-7A098-A (referred to as a screen assembly)."

The article is dated 2019.

The filter I recently bought does have the ledge molded into the case as if the thermal plate were still being used, but it's possible they removed the plate and did not change the tooling for the case.

Whatever the case, the rattle most certainly seems to be coming from the fairly large magnet in the corner of the case. I shinned a light through the case and I can see embossed ridges that the magnet sets on. I can't see what's on the other side however. But it makes sense that it would be floating in there such that the fluid passes easily over both sides of the magnet.

Maybe I'll go to the parts store and have them dig out a filter for me to look at, but for now, I feel pretty good that the magnet is suppose to be loose in that corner. It's confined in the corner so it seems to be how it was designed.

Thanks, both of you, for the replies! Very helpful!

Oh, and I might add: A two sage transmission filter with a thermal plate, good grief, whatever happen to the nice simple cars and trucks I learned to wrench on in the '60s? o_0

You’re welcome. I purchased a Motorcraft filter in October of last year from Rockauto and it too had the rattle to it. I cut open the filter from my March of 2023 built Ranger and it had the flap in it.

 

[elaterite]

You’re welcome. I purchased a Motorcraft filter in October of last year from Rockauto and it too had the rattle to it. I cut open the filter from my March of 2023 built Ranger and it had the flap in it.

Hm, interesting, thanks!

Welp, I'll cut the old one open and report back once I change it. I'm gonna put in the Mike's Build Shop aftermarket dipstick tomorrow. Then I need to machine a fitting for a vacuum sump pump device I have so I can attach a smaller hose to suck the fluid out of the tranny. Then I'll drop the pan and change the filter. "Ford has a better idea" my a$$...

 

[Andrew27]

Hm, interesting, thanks!

Welp, I'll cut the old one open and report back once I change it. I'm gonna put in the Mike's Build Shop aftermarket dipstick tomorrow. Then I need to machine a fitting for a vacuum sump pump device I have so I can attach a smaller hose to suck the fluid out of the tranny. Then I'll drop the pan and change the filter. "Ford has a better idea" my a$$...

You’re welcome! I have the MBS dipstick and it’s well worth it!

 

[elaterite]

You’re welcome! I have the MBS dipstick and it’s well worth it!

Ya, it looks like a fine product. Mike takes a lot of pride in his work. It's refreshing!

 

[Burnt Money]

I changed my filter a few months ago. The new and the old one both had a rattle. I definitely recommend the MBS Dipstick! Great product!

 

[elaterite]

I changed my filter a few months ago. The new and the old one both had a rattle. I definitely recommend the MBS Dipstick! Great product!

Thanks for the reply!

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