Filter cartridge assembly and method of manufacture thereof

A filter cartridge having a longitudinal axis comprising:

• a cartridge housing having first and second shell portions, said first shell portion having a cartridge housing opening and an annular element retention lip disposed axially inward of said opening and coaxial with said longitudinal axis;
• a filter element having a first end cap, a second end cap, and a continuous ring of filter media disposed between said first and said second end caps, said first end cap defining a fuel flow port coaxial with said longitudinal axis and a plurality of resilient element retention arms extending axially from said first end cap and surrounding said fuel flow port, said arms terminating in retention barbs mateable with said annular lip,
• wherein said resilient element retention arms hold said retention barbs against said annular lip suspending said filter element within said cartridge housing, support ribs extend radially outwardly from said resilient element retention arms to a perimeter of said first end cap, said support ribs defining at least one fuel-flow pathway directing fuel radially outwardly from said fuel flow port.