Air Filter Replacement, WTF!!!!!!!! Options

[dstock22]

Ok, most of you guys are just going to laugh when you read this. I am very aware of that, but damnit I just have to ask because I CANNOT figure it out. How in the world do you replace the air filter. I spent a good hour jus trying different things and I can't get the damn thing out. All the bolt/screw things are all rusted like a mo fo and I don't know if I can unbolt that box, or if you even need to. Please help a novice out...

[smrtkd69]

first, yes you have to unbolt all the air box bolts, next disconnect intake tube from the maf, remove all related wiring to remove maf with air can and wrestle the can/filter/maf assembly out. ive found that to be the easiest way but maybe someone else has a better response.

[grimy4]

Not to be a smart ass or anythinglike that , but it seems to be that ya need to have two things at you're disposal!
1 = Chiltons manual for that car
2 = Lots of PB BLAST
As a novice it's always a good thing to have a chiltons around. Some of the best mecanics still rely on manuals some time or another ! Good luck if ya have'nt already got it figured out !

[turbohcar]

There are three clips, two hoseclamps, and one plug you're going to have to undo if you just want to replace the air filter and not take the enitre can out.
The three clips secure the MAF backing piece to the rest of the can (they look like little wirey clips on your airbox). Next, remove the plug on that same backing plate that the intake hose leading to the turbo hooks to. That is the MAF plug. Next, remove both the hose clamps that hold the intake hose leading to the turbo on. This is not totally necessary but it makes it easier. Pull the backing plate away from the air can (sometimes they are stuck on with silicone so it may take some effort) and there's your air filter. Replace and repeat instructions in reverse order.

If you want to do the aircan mod while you're at it...
http://www.vfaq.com/mods/filter-print.html
there's the link.

[TotalEclipse97]

aww heck that takes too long....i took a sawsall to the air box and ducktaped the K&N filter on. ....seriously.....things can be done so much faster by using power instead of steps.

[turbohcar]

[dstock22]

<rant>
turbohcar, that is what I've tried, twice now. The damn radiator hose stops you from pulling the thing straight out, and I've tried every way I can possible think of to jimmy it out, and nothing works. The stupid maf sensor is soooo long that you can't just pull it out at an angle... this is really pissing me off b/c my air filter is soooooooooooooooo damn dirty and I know its robbing me hp and gas mileage.....
</rant>

[turbohcar]

Where do you live dstock? If it's that much trouble I'll just come over and show you how. If all else fails, just unhook the top radiator hose. The most you risk is a little mess and having to fill it back up after you're done.

[dstock22]

I live in Highland, IL. It's about half an hour from St. Louis.... I doubt your close enough. I'm not a complete dumbass when it comes to cars, but I just can't get this figured out for anything. Our engine bays have like 10 lbs of shit crammed into a 1 lb bag.... only its not shit... it turbo charged good'ness,

[black92_tsi_awd]

I'd take the upper intercooler pipe off before removing the radiator hose, less mess.

I get mine off by putting my hand under the rubber inlet pipe, pulling the aircan up at an angle and then pulling off the aircleaner housing. Turning the housing helps too.

It's a pain in the a$$, but it takes 2 people to change the aircleaner in my wife Impala!!

[turbohcar]

Or you could try taking the upper IC pipe off as well as the air can. The IC pipe is two worm gears clamps and about five bolts for the air can.

[xian 1g]

Ok, most of you guys are just going to laugh when you read this.

You will find most people on this board are very helpfull and won't razz ya for being honest. We all start somewhere, and I owe a lot of what I know to this board.

imho this is one of the best boards out there. And I'm on a lot of them. Good moderation... then again not much need for it here. Good mix of tech and fun threads. And of course, good people make a good board.


that being said, is your problem getting the filter out of the engine bay? or detatching the filter from the mas? at this point in time.

[dstock22]

My problem is getting the the thing that clamps onto the canister to come out far enough to take out my filter and throw a new one in. I'm assuming that the giant mass of electronics inside the filter is the MAF. It is so f'n long that I can't jimmy it out of there for anything. I've had it pulled out fairly far, but not far enough to get it out of the engine bay or ever move it out of the way temp. to take out the filter. I never knew changing and air filter was so troublesome....


Thanks guys for all your help though, I really appreciate it.

[turbohcar]

$30 and I'll make the trip to show you how LOL. Just enough for gas money

[dstock22]

.... Yea..... No.

[xian 1g]

I'm assuming that the giant mass of electronics inside the filter is the MAF. It is so f'n long that I can't jimmy it out of there for anything. I've had it pulled out fairly far, but not far enough to get it out of the engine bay or ever move it out of the way temp. to take out the filter.

dstock.... you are correct the 'giant mass of electronics inside the filter' is the mas.

If you are still having problems taking it off....

1. that black tube that is attatched to the filter and mas, follow it down to your turbo. there should be a 8mm, or a small headed phillips should do, clamp on it. un-fasten it from the turbo. that will give you some play.

still won't come out?

2. when standing infront of the front bumper, looking into the engine bay... to the left of the filter you should see the upper intercooler pipe. this should have to 12mm clamps at the ends. undo them and remove uicp from the engine bay.

dear god wtf? it still won't come out?

3. when standing infront of the front bumper, looking into the engine bay.... right above the end of the intake "fng long black thing' attatched to the turbo inlet, is a black hose that is attatched to what looks like a small 'pump' on the engine. middle left of the valve cover... this hose goes towards the bumper to the radiator. i believe they are 8mms on this one. you will lose some coolant.


jebus what's wrong... you are screwed. call brett. pay him the 30 bucks by him a case of beer and give him a kiss.

hope that helps. learning to work on your car is frustrating, but it makes you feel like a man... and women notice that.


oh yeah, have you tried cussing really hard while yank like its...

[dstock22]

Many vulgar and lude words have been used as I try to yank this 'sum bitch out. I guess I could try the radiator thing but I just don't feel like having a giant ass mess... and then I gotta figure out where to poor more coolant,

I'll give it one more go later this weekend, if I can't get it then I shall give up at life.

[xian 1g]

dstock

have you tried this yet?

1. that black tube that is attatched to the filter and mas, follow it down to your turbo. there should be a 8mm, or a small headed phillips should do, clamp on it. un-fasten it from the turbo. that will give you some play.

this will give you more play to try different angles.

[turbohcar]

Have you tried unclamping the blow off valve recirculation tube (the one that goes from the BOV to the intake tube right in front of the turbo)? That may hinder it as well. Seriously though, if you get frustrated, just start taking stuff apart and throw it across the garage. It works from time to time for me. Oh, and don't forget to unhook the stock electrical boost control actuator hose (tiny vaccum hose that is also attatched to the metal piece that screws into the back of the MAF), you may be unable to see it and it may be holding you up and you'd never know it. Hope it helps

[xian 1g]

have you tried replacing the car yet? might be easier.