Filter assembly for a hydrostatic transmission

A hydrostatic transmission assembly includes a hydraulic pump and motor mechanism having a pump, a motor and at least one fluid passageway therebetween, a source of transmission fluid, at least one projection attached to the hydrostatic pump and motor mechanism which has a suction port therein, and a filter assembly comprising a filter element attached to an impermeable wall. The pump and motor are fluidly connected through the passageway and the passageway is in fluid communication with the source of transmission fluid through the suction port. The impermeable wall includes at least one hole therethrough and the projection extends through the hole and is sealingly engaged with the impermeable wall. Substantially all transmission fluid received by the pump and motor mechanism is passed through the filter element.