WIX Filters · 57xxx · return line
57881 filter element: specifications & equivalents
The 57881 is a WIX Filters return-line hydraulic filter element, built with glass media, sized 69 × 173 mm OD × length (ID 34 mm), rated at 3 µm class (β3 = 200). Verify against the current manufacturer data sheet before ordering.
Envelope OD × L 69 × 173 mm
Inside diameter 34 mm
Filtration rating 3 µm nom.
Beta rating β 3 = 200
Media Glass
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 | Glass |
| Filtration rating | 3 µm |
| Rating basis | nominal |
| Beta ratio | β3 = 200 |
| Outside diameter OD | 69 mm |
| Inside diameter ID | 34 mm |
| Length | 173 mm |
| End caps | open-ended cartridge element (no baseplate) |
| Flow direction | outside-in |
| Integral bypass valve | none (housing/valve-dependent) |
| Seal material | Nitrile (NBR) |
| Manufacturer part no. | 57881 |
| 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 | 69 mm (2.717 in) |
| Inside diameter | 34 mm (1.339 in) |
| Overall length | 173 mm (6.811 in) |
All 69×173 mm interchange elements →
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ↔ DHD240G03V | Filtrec | partial | Filtrec's official Cross Navigator maps WIX 57881 to FILTREC DHD240G03V as a direct replacement, publishing the FILTREC element's OD/ID/height envelope and media grade. Rated micron differs (3 vs 5 µm) — verify efficiency class and collapse/seal for the housing before substituting. |
| ↔ HD725 | MANN-FILTER | partial | MANN-FILTER's online catalog lists 57881 (WIX) as a comparison number for HD725. Envelope cross-reference; verify micron grade, collapse rating and seal configuration before substituting. |
| ↔ HF29227 | Fleetguard | partial | Fleetguard's online catalog lists 57881 as an interchange for HF29227. Envelope cross-reference; verify micron grade, collapse rating and seal configuration before substituting. |
| ↔ PT9490-MPG | Baldwin Filters | partial | Baldwin's Form 561 Number-Finder cross-reference lists 57881 (WIX) as replaced by Baldwin PT9490-MPG. Form/fit listing without published performance data — 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 57881 model number is decoded
- 57881WIX hydraulic cartridge element part number.
- 69 mm OD / 34 mm IDCartridge envelope (outside/inside diameter); no mounting thread.
- GlassFilter media: Glass.
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.
- Fine 3 µm media loads faster and runs at a higher cold Δp than coarser grades — only downgrade cleanliness targets if the system ISO 4406 code allows it.
- 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 57881 filter element?
The published envelope is 69 mm OD × 173 mm length with a 34 mm inside diameter (2.717 × 6.811 in × 1.339 in ID). Confirm against the housing drawing before ordering.
What micron rating does 57881 use?
This element is rated 3 µm (nominal class) — β3 = 200. Always compare Beta ratings at the same test point: two brands may print different micron numbers for the same physical grade.
What replaces the 57881 filter element?
4 partial match(es) requiring parameter review
How do I read the 57881 part number?
See the designation decoder above: each segment of 57881 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 43 catalog element(s) share the 69×173 mm envelope. Envelope match alone does not guarantee interchangeability — compare micron/Beta, seals and collapse rating.
DHD240G03B DHD240G03B/ESD DHD240G03V DHD240G03V/ESD DHD240G05B DHD240G05B/ESD DHD240G05V DHD240G05V/ESD DHD240G10B DHD240G10B/ESD
Other models in the 57xxx series
All 221 →Reviewed & verified by the ElementRef engineering desk against WIX Filters (MANN+HUMMEL) on 2026-09-28. Read our editorial & correction policy.