Air filter replacement

Mounting instructions and typical errors

Reading time: 3 minutes

Information on use

Regular air filter replacement is crucial for engine performance and for protecting the combustion engine. Soiled dry filters can reduce performance, increase fuel consumption and damage the engine compartment. When removing the filter from the air filter box, follow the vehicle manufacturer's instructions: never work while the car is running, do not clean using compressed air and always use the appropriate filter cartridge.

Important change intervals result from the vehicle's operating conditions: Earlier replacement is necessary in dusty conditions or when driving off-road. Sports air filters made of cotton also require regular, professional inspection.

Before inserting the round or panel filters, it is recommended to check all sealing areas on the filter housing and clean them using a cloth.

Defective or deformed filters should be replaced. Only a correctly installed filter ensures good air supply and protects the engine from foreign bodies. When does the air filter have to be replaced? What must be taken into account when replacing the air filter? Can the air filter be blown out? Which errors can occur and what is the correctly replacement method? You can find out here.

Mounting instructions for filter replacement

The following points must be observed when replacing an air filter:

Never replace the air filter with the engine running.
Make sure that no dirt particles get into the air ducts when removing the old filter.
Do not try to clean the old filter using compressed air.
Choose the right filter. Serious damages may otherwise occur on the engine due to different sealing and permeation properties.
Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer when installing the new filter.
Before installation, clean the cover and housing of the new filter using a clean, soft cloth. Do not use a brush or other instruments that might whirl up dirt particles.
Examine all gaskets for damage. Even small cracks or deformations can lead to considerable contamination. If in doubt, replace the gaskets.
Place the filter element in the centre.
When mounting the cover, make sure that there is no gap between the cover and the housing because unfiltered air may otherwise enter the combustion chambers.

Note:

In case of frequent travel on very dusty roads, the air filter insert must be exchanged more often than prescribed under normal circumstances.

Handling mistakes

The filter may not be cleaned using compressed air under any circumstances (Fig. 1 and 2). This would press the microscopic dirt particles even further into the depth structure of the filter paper, resulting in an even lower flow rate. In addition, the filter paper may tear due to the high air pressure.

The filter may not be cleaned using compressed air under any circumstances | Kolbenschmidt | Motorservice — Fig. 1

When handling the filter, also take care that the paper pack and the sealing face are not destroyed (Fig. 3 and 4). For this reason, the filter should not be beaten. Insufficient sealing or cracks in the filter paper will result in foreign bodies entering the inside of the engine, which could cause serious damage.