Oil filter deteriation

[txhokie4life]

We're working on a Boxster.

Pulled the oil filter to check it out.

normally we fan out the paper fins and look for debris.

On a recent car, the filter literally deteriates in our hands.

I've never seen this before --

It's not dry rotted -- as there is oil in the splines, but you can
crack each of the splines, or even split the splines part.

haven't checked with the owner yet to see the history of
the car and last oil change.

very odd,

mike