(708) 839-1515

DPF & DOC Cleaning

Professional diesel particulate filter cleaning that saves you thousands compared to replacement.

Your Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is a critical emissions component that traps soot and particulate matter from your exhaust. Over time, non-combustible ash from engine oil accumulates inside the filter — and unlike soot, ash cannot be burned off during regeneration. It can only be removed through professional off-vehicle cleaning.

$300-$700

Professional Cleaning

vs.

Save 75-85%

$2,500-$4,500+

Full Replacement

Our Cleaning Process

1

Inspection

We inspect your DPF for cracks, melting, and structural damage to confirm cleaning is the right solution. If the filter is damaged beyond recovery, we tell you upfront.

2

Thermal Cleaning

Your filter is placed in a controlled thermal oven at 1,100-1,200°F to oxidize trapped soot and carbon deposits deep within the filter substrate.

3

Pneumatic Pulse

After cooling, compressed air is pulsed through the filter in reverse to remove the remaining ash that cannot be burned off during regeneration.

4

Testing & Reinstall

We verify proper airflow and back-pressure readings before reinstallation to ensure your exhaust system performs optimally.

Forced Regeneration Service

When your truck can't complete a passive or active regeneration on its own, we perform forced (stationary) regen using factory-level scan tools. The engine runs at a specific RPM while the system heats to cleaning temperature (1,100-1,200°F). Takes approximately 30-60 minutes. Best for elevated soot levels below 80-85% capacity.

DPF System Troubleshooting

A clogged filter is often a symptom of a deeper issue. Leaking injectors, a faulty EGR valve, malfunctioning temperature sensors, or excessive oil consumption can all cause premature DPF clogging. We investigate the root cause so you're not back in six months with the same problem.

DOC Cleaning

Your Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) sits upstream of the DPF and can suffer from face plugging due to incomplete combustion residue. We inspect your DOC whenever the DPF is pulled for cleaning and service both components to keep your entire aftertreatment system functioning efficiently.

Pickup & Delivery

Can't make it to the shop? We pick up diesel particulate filters within a 40-mile radius and deliver them once the job is completed. Call us to arrange convenient pickup and delivery service.

Vehicles We Service

We clean DPFs and DOCs on all major diesel platforms:

Ford Power Stroke

6.0L, 6.4L, 6.7L

GM Duramax

LBZ, LMM, LML, L5P

Ram Cummins

5.9L, 6.7L

Plus commercial platforms: Volvo, Freightliner, Kenworth, Peterbilt, International, Mack, and more.

Signs Your DPF Needs Service

Dashboard DPF warning light or check-engine light (P2002, P2463, P244B)
Noticeable drop in power or acceleration
Increased fuel consumption (5-15% or more)
Truck enters limp mode or reduced-power mode
Frequent or prolonged regeneration cycles
Excessive exhaust smoke or unusual exhaust smell
Elevated exhaust gas temperatures
Forced regen attempts failing to complete

Recommended Cleaning Intervals

Highway / Over-the-road 150,000 - 200,000 miles
Mixed use / Regional 100,000 - 150,000 miles
Severe duty (city, idling, short trips) 50,000 - 75,000 miles

These are general guidelines. Have your DPF inspected sooner if you notice any warning signs. Using the correct CK-4/CJ-4 low-ash engine oil and ULSD fuel extends DPF life significantly.

DPF Cleaning FAQ

How much does DPF cleaning cost vs. replacement?
Professional DPF cleaning typically costs $300-$700 depending on filter condition and vehicle. A new DPF replacement runs $2,500-$4,500+ installed for light-duty pickups (Ford Power Stroke, Duramax, Cummins) and $3,000-$5,000+ for heavy-duty trucks. Cleaning saves 75-85% compared to replacement.
How often does a DPF need to be cleaned?
The first professional ash cleaning is typically needed around 150,000-200,000 miles for highway-driven trucks. After the initial cleaning, most trucks benefit from cleaning every 100,000-150,000 miles. Severe-duty vehicles (city driving, frequent idling, short trips) may need cleaning as often as every 50,000-75,000 miles.
What is the difference between a forced regen and a DPF cleaning?
A forced regeneration burns off accumulated soot by raising exhaust temperatures to 1,100-1,200°F using scan tools. However, regen only burns soot - it cannot remove ash (the non-combustible residue from engine oil). Over time, ash accumulates and can only be removed through physical off-vehicle cleaning. If forced regens keep failing or only provide temporary improvement, a full cleaning is needed.
How long does DPF cleaning take?
Our thermal bake-and-blow process takes 24-48 hours for the full cycle (the bake/cool cycle alone runs 8-12 hours). We bake overnight and pulse-clean the next morning for most filters. Forced regeneration service, if that is all you need, takes approximately 30-60 minutes in the shop.
Is DPF cleaning worth it or should I just replace the filter?
In most cases, cleaning is absolutely worth it. We inspect every filter before cleaning to confirm it is a good candidate. If the filter substrate is cracked, melted, or structurally compromised, we will recommend replacement and explain why. A properly maintained DPF can last 150,000-250,000+ miles for pickups and 300,000-500,000+ miles for heavy-duty trucks.
What causes a DPF to clog prematurely?
Common causes include excessive idling and short trips (prevents passive regen), leaking fuel injectors dumping raw fuel into the exhaust, faulty EGR valves, using the wrong engine oil (high-SAPS oil produces more ash), excessive oil consumption from worn rings or turbo seals, and contaminated or non-ULSD fuel.

Serving Willow Springs, Lemont, Burr Ridge, Hodgkins, Countryside, La Grange, Hickory Hills, Justice, Bridgeview, and the greater Chicagoland area.

Need Your DPF Cleaned?

Call us today to schedule your DPF cleaning or ask about our pickup and delivery service within 40 miles.

Request Appointment Call (708) 839-1515