Community Forums

Ken Sair · 11-23-2020, 03:05 PM

2018 Aspire 44W. Its mu understanding the DEF filter needs replacing
at 2 or 3 years or 200,000 miles, depending on who you believe. Im coming up on 3 years of ownership.

Has anyone ver changed theirs and want to share a little insight? it doesnt look that difficult. Local Spartan dealer wanted one hour of service at $175 an hour. looks like about a 15 minute job. Thats not happening.

Or could someone direct me to a YouTube video somewhere. My CC will be very happy with any direction.

Thanks Ken

garysfb · 11-23-2020, 03:25 PM

Search def filter. I started a thread on this subject a few weeks ago. There were a couple of posts with directions or links. I've got one in my basement but am waiting to get back home to change it in case I screw up and ruin our trip ;-)

brobox · 11-23-2020, 03:29 PM

Here is one of the posts, there are several. The cover for the DEF filter is on the bottom of the tank, left corner. It is a hand tighten screw off black plastic cover. Your right, it's a 15 minute job including get the tools and a rag together. https://www.irv2.com/forums/f278/def...ge-314501.html

Ken Sair · 11-23-2020, 04:19 PM

Thanks. Does the filter just pull straight out with the tool? and guess I'll have to get the socket. Ill try the search feature, if I can find it.

Thanks, Ken

Hayman · 11-23-2020, 05:20 PM

Ken, it's a simple a DIY and yes $175 is CRAZY ! I don't remember the socket size and I don't recall using the tool to pull it out just my fingers. A couple of drips of DEF R & R and done . I realize it's a 200,000 mile filter but I'm a believer that TIME ages filters ( i.e.: air filter yearly ) and the DEF filter should be changed by years not mileage in our motorhomes.

BobG88 · 11-24-2020, 05:36 PM

I changed ours today - took ~10 minutes. The socket size is either 1 1/16" or 27mm.

The tool wouldn't work with our filter - it was in tight, and I gently removed with pliers.

I did use a very small amount of o-ring lube to (hopefully) help facilitate removal next time.

As others have stated, very easy process.

BG

Cutch · 11-24-2020, 06:10 PM

I changed mine for the first time the other day. The hardest part was getting that little filter out using the provided tool, which I threw aside and stuck my finger inside and yanked. Popped out and reinstalled the new one. Lost a couple drips of DEF. Super easy and a dealership should be ashamed of charging an hour shop rate. Next time will take about 10 minutes tops.

tmandoug1 · 07-05-2022, 09:22 AM

Thinking on this subject today and I was curious as to why it is it is not on any of the annual/mileage maintenance requirements that I have done in Gaffney/Tom Nehl. Every other filter has an inspect or replace requirement. Has anyone actually experienced a failure of this component and if so what actually occurred?

I replace all air filters annually regardless of requirement.....so just a bit curious about his one.

Magic-carpet · 07-05-2022, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmandoug1

Thinking on this subject today and I was curious as to why it is it is not on any of the annual/mileage maintenance requirements that I have done in Gaffney/Tom Nehl. Every other filter has an inspect or replace requirement. Has anyone actually experienced a failure of this component and if so what actually occurred?

I replace all air filters annually regardless of requirement.....so just a bit curious about his one.

I change my filter at least every 18-24 months. I had a DEF Pump fail on the way across texas last fall. I don't remember the codes but it would have shut down the coach at some point to a derated speed if I didn't get it replaced. 30 minutes and $1800 later and I was back on the road. Cummins in Amarillo had 4 on the shelf so its a fairly common thing I would guess. I haven't heard much about it here on the forum though.

Turbojack · 07-05-2022, 10:31 AM

It was not until MC posted about his problem and the filter. When I had coach in for service I asked about the DEF filter. The tech spent more time getting down and back up then he did changing the filter out.

**pasdad1** · 07-05-2022, 01:04 PM

At freightliner factory service in Gaffney, a couple of months ago, my tech said he has never heard of the def filter ever being changed. They only recommend it being changed at 300,000 miles. I wanted him to do it anyway, but they didn’t even stock the part.

RayandWendy · 07-05-2022, 01:38 PM

Yep, the standard is 300,000 miles or 5 years. I would still do it every 2 years.

Later...
Ray

LWBAZ · 07-05-2022, 07:16 PM

For what it may be worth, here is a link to a thread I initiated on this subject exactly one year ago today (7/5/2021):

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f278/def...ne-544222.html

Keep in mind that write-up is for a 2018 Cornerstone. Other model year and/or other product line coaches may be different.