J-hook filter assembly

1. A method of manufacturing a fluid filter assembly, the method comprising:

providing a housing including an inner surface surrounding a longitudinal axis, the inner surface including a proximal portion defining a first diameter, a distal portion defining a second diameter, and an intermediate portion defining a third diameter that is less than the first diameter and greater than the second diameter;

engaging a proximal end cap with the intermediate portion of the inner surface of the housing;

engaging a nut plate with the proximal end cap; and

forming a hook portion of the housing to engage the nut plate and wedge the nut plate between the hook portion and the proximal end cap.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein forming the hook portion of the housing includes crimping the housing to an axially-extending ring of the nut plate.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

inserting a filter element within the housing; and

engaging the proximal end cap with the filter element,

wherein engaging the proximal end cap with the filter element includes engaging a radially outwardly extending flange of the proximal end cap with the inner surface of the housing.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the flange includes a plurality of fluid openings circumferentially spaced about the longitudinal axis.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the fluid openings direct fluid toward the filter element.

6. The method of claim 3 , further comprising:

engaging a distal end cap with a distal end of the filter element, opposite the proximal end cap; and

engaging the distal end cap with the inner surface of the housing.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the hook portion defines a j-shaped construct.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the hook portion extends radially inwardly.