WIX Filters · 51xxx · return line
51486 filter element: specifications & equivalents
The 51486 is a WIX Filters return-line hydraulic filter element, built with microglass media, sized 97 × 241 mm OD × length, rated at 9 µm class (β2 = 6, β20 = 10). Verify against the current manufacturer data sheet before ordering.
Envelope OD × L 97 × 241 mm
Filtration rating 9 µm nom.
Beta rating β 2 = 6, β20 = 10
Media Microglass
Thread 1-3/8-12
Collapse / burst 68.947 bar
Line type return
Catalog verified. Parameters extracted from the manufacturer’s electronic
catalog / official interchange document and checked 2026-09-28. Confidence score 0.90.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Filter type | return line |
| Media | Microglass |
| Filtration rating | 9 µm |
| Rating basis | nominal |
| Beta ratio | β2 = 6, β20 = 10 |
| Outside diameter OD | 97 mm |
| Length | 241 mm |
| Thread / connection | 1-3/8-12 |
| End caps | spin-on baseplate with attached gasket |
| Flow direction | outside-in |
| Collapse / burst pressure | 68.947 bar |
| Integral bypass valve | none (housing/valve-dependent) |
| Seal material | Nitrile (NBR) |
| Manufacturer part no. | 51486 |
| Source catalog | WIX Filters (MANN+HUMMEL): WIX Filters online product catalog |
| Last verified | 2026-09-28 |
Sources: WIX Filters (MANN+HUMMEL) — WIX Filters online product catalog — accessed 2026-09-26.
WIX Filters® and all model designations are trademarks of their respective owners, used here for identification only — ElementRef is an independent reference site, not an authorized WIX Filters distributor.
Dimensional drawing
Dimensions & series range
| Outside diameter | 97 mm (3.819 in) |
| Overall length | 241 mm (9.488 in) |
All 97×241 mm interchange elements →
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ↔ A413G15R | Filtrec | partial | Filtrec's official Cross Navigator maps WIX 51486 to FILTREC A413G15R as a direct replacement, publishing the FILTREC element's OD/ID/height envelope and media grade. Rated micron differs (9 vs 17 µm) — verify efficiency class and collapse/seal for the housing before substituting. |
| ↔ BT8856-MPG | Baldwin Filters | partial | Baldwin's Form 561 Number-Finder cross-reference lists 51486 (WIX) as replaced by Baldwin BT8856-MPG. Form/fit listing without published performance data — verify micron grade, collapse rating and seal configuration before substituting. |
| ↔ HF6573 | Fleetguard | partial | Fleetguard's online catalog lists 51486 as an interchange for HF6573. Envelope cross-reference; verify micron grade, collapse rating and seal configuration before substituting. |
Interchange levels: full catalog-confirmed drop-in · partial verify parameters · verify manual confirmation required. Links resolve to the equivalent model's specification page where available.
Full chart: WIX Filters cross reference chart →
How the 51486 model number is decoded
- 51486WIX hydraulic spin-on filter part number.
- 1-3/8-12Mounting thread: 1-3/8-12 (spin-on baseplate).
- MicroglassFilter media: Microglass.
Typical equipment & applications
- Mobile and industrial hydraulic return circuits
- Construction and agricultural equipment
- Heavy-duty transmission and torque-converter circuits
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- Line type is not interchangeable: return-line cartridges are low-collapse executions that typically tolerate roughly 10–20 bar differential, while pressure-line elements are commonly rated 100–210 bar. Installing a low-collapse element in a pressure housing can rupture the media on cold-start spikes.
- This element has no integral bypass — opening pressure is set by the housing’s reusable bypass valve. Confirm the valve setting (commonly 3.4 bar) is present before fitting.
- “10 µm nominal” and “12 µm at β1000” can describe the very same media — one is reported at β≥200, the other at β≥1000 per ISO 16889. Compare ratings at the same Beta test point, not just the printed micron number.
- This execution uses nitrile (nbr) seals — verify the compound against the fluid data sheet: standard nitrile (NBR) can fail early in phosphate-ester fluids and at sustained high temperature, where fluorocarbon/Viton executions may be required.
- End-cap geometry and the number/position of O-rings block interchange even when OD and length match — visually compare end caps before fitting, especially with aftermarket cartridges.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of the 51486 filter element?
The published envelope is 97 mm OD × 241 mm length (3.819 × 9.488 in). Confirm against the housing drawing before ordering.
What micron rating does 51486 use?
This element is rated 9 µm (nominal class) — β2 = 6, β20 = 10. Always compare Beta ratings at the same test point: two brands may print different micron numbers for the same physical grade.
What replaces the 51486 filter element?
3 partial match(es) requiring parameter review
How do I read the 51486 part number?
See the designation decoder above: each segment of 51486 encodes size, line type, filtration grade and media/collapse execution.
Is a same-envelope aftermarket element always a drop-in replacement?
No. Matching OD and length only proves the cartridge fits the bowl. End-cap style, seal compound, micron/Beta rating, collapse pressure and bypass configuration must also match; the table above tags every equivalent as full, partial or verify for exactly this reason.
How often should a hydraulic filter element be replaced?
Replace at the housing manufacturer’s recommended differential-pressure setting (commonly signalled by a clogging indicator), or on a time-based service interval when no indicator is fitted — never wait for bypass to open continuously, because unfiltered oil then reaches the valves.
Same-envelope elements from other brands
View full interchange →These 10 catalog element(s) share the 97×241 mm envelope. Envelope match alone does not guarantee interchangeability — compare micron/Beta, seals and collapse rating.
Other models in the 51xxx series
All 306 →Reviewed & verified by the ElementRef engineering desk against WIX Filters (MANN+HUMMEL) on 2026-09-28. Read our editorial & correction policy.