Oil filter "cage"?

[Mark787B]

I've just completed the first oil change on my 5 and I noted that the OEM filter does not have that sliding plastic cage within the element like the replacement filter has. Does anyone run a replacement filter (Mazda or another brand) without this cage in place?

[xtrememps]

Uhh how'd you even "complete" your oil change then? You have to reuse that cage..that's the housing to put it back into the car.

[Mark787B]

I don't mean the cage in the housing but rather the cage in the new filter element. It seems like the cage in the filter element is superfluous.

[bulwnkl]

YOU MUST USE THE CAGE INSIDE THE FILTER ELEMENT. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN A COLLAPSED FILTER, UNFILTERED OIL CIRCULATING THROUGH THE ENGINE, OR A PIECE OF THE OIL FILTER ITSELF BECOMING LODGED AND BLOCKING OIL FLOW TO THE ENGINE.

It's a reusable cage, so at least the Mazda filters don't come with a new one. Don't know about most aftermarket brands, although the Purolators didn't come with a new one last time I bought them.

[Mark787B]

Many thanks though the Mazda-branded filters (made by Ford) I purchased online did have the sliding cage within the filter. I noted that when I slid the filter on to the cage that is within the filter housing the two appeared to lock in place.

I would like to have purchased an actual replacement OEM Mazda filter but haven't found a source...