Howdy all,

I recently picked up an 01 Buick Regal LS with 107K miles on it and I’m hitting some of the typical services that I suspect have been neglected for quite some time by the previous owner. Yesterday, I replaced the transmission filter with a new AC Delco 24227477. When I installed it, I noticed that it was not quite as snug as the old filter I had just removed. To be sure, I pulled the new filter off, reinstalled, and paid close attention to feel for the neck of filter to pop into place, which I believe I felt it do. However, there was still a bit of play to the body of the filter in comparison to the old one. Is there anything to be concerned about here? I don’t want to the filter to “fall out”, so to speak, or to allow fluid to get by the neck/gasket connection allowing unfiltered fluid to get back into the transmission and cause premature wear or worse.

I did not replace the small gasket/sleeve where the filter neck connects to the trans. It did not come out with the old filter and I opted to not mess with it per numerous recommendations in other online resources I’d reviewed prior to replacing the filter.

Is there anything for which I should watch out as I drive the vehicle? Is the fact that the filter is not as snug reason enough to fuss with dropping the pan again and perhaps swapping the filter neck gasket? I’m willing to buy another 7qts of fluid and replace the gasket/reinstall filter if it avoids major problems, but of course I’d rather not if there’* nothing to be concerned about here. Thanks in advance for any wisdom that you might be able to share.

The problem with that gasket getting stuck is fairly common, it happened with my PA the last time I changed the filter.
As long as it does not come off of there I don't think it will be an issue, if it was too loose though I think hitting a few bumps here and there could cause it to disconnect, then you'd have the fluid bypassing the filter.
Which I am not sure will produce any symptoms right away, but in time it may.
I'll let somebody that knows a little more about transmissions chime in, I am not a transmission guy.

I was told once by a transmission guy that if the filter is not in place, it can't suck up the fluid and the transmission won't work. So, if it falls out, you'll know it.

Thanks for the replies!