Cabin air filter 1 yr. update

[Kmvreter]

At 16K km (10K mi) interval I took out the stock Toy filter. It was dirty but I could still see alot of light through it and blowing it out didn't do much cleaning.

Pic of topside before cleaning:

 

[Kmvreter]

Pic of bottom side.

 

[Kmvreter]

I changed from stock to use a MicronAir (C$19 @ Canadian Tire) because the stealerships live up to there name on this one (they wanted $32.95 or $49.99 installed! WTF!). So now at ~32K km I took out the first replacement. It's also dirty but it looks like it held alot more crap. Not as much light coming through compared to stock Toy or clean MicronAir.
Pic of topside in holder:

 

[Kmvreter]

Pic of bottom side in holder:

 

[Kmvreter]

Heres the MicronAir with packaging and model #. I was debating whether to go the custom homemade route but I'll go with the MicronAir again because it has more pleats (compared to stock and homemade), looks like it does the job better than stock and it is a perfect fit.
Any of you guys that have done homemde have any results yet?
Next experiment (now that I have 2 dirty filters) is to try and clean them and see if they fall apart or if they will be reusable.

 

[greasefingers]

From your third pic, it looks like a salt clump actually made it all the way to the filter. I just changed mine as well. It was filthy. I think salting the roads contributes to much of the winter particulates in the HVAC system.

 

[Kmvreter]

greasefingers,
Good catch. That's exactly what it is (you have an eye for salt )

Another reason for sticking to the MicronAir is another factor in the experiment. I get a fair comparison with the stock that was run last spring/summer.

 

[Boaz]

here is my filter at 15,590 K when I bought the truck....

gross! I bought the oem replacement, but I plan on doing the 3M filter mod, Im thinking about getting the Micron Air now!
Did you notice a change in air flow in the vehicle at all?

 

[greasefingers]

:bugeye: Maybe we should start a "dirtiest air filter picture

 

[Boaz]

:bugeye: Maybe we should start a "dirtiest air filter picture

 

[greasefingers]

Everyone on this forum is obsessed with their vehicles

 

[leftyrb]

Kmvreter: Does the MicronAir filter that you obtained at Canadian Tire fit the 4Runner properly. My 2004 still has the original filter, and I want to change it, and was considering the Toyota unit. Your recommendation would be the MicronAir.

Thanks

 

[Kmvreter]

Yes...

It's made to fit (look at the pics, no leakage around the perimeter.) I put another in for the next 16K because I haven't seen any results from the guys doing the homemade and its better & cheaper than the Toy's. Neat and clean install (2 min. max. blindfolded.)

 

[leftyrb]

Thanks Kmvreter

The dealer wants $32.95 for the filter, or $50.95 installed. Canadian Tire lists them for $18.99 but no stock. I think I will try for the MicronAir from Canadian Tire as it may stand up better. I have the original filter in mine at 30,000 km (20 k miles) and 16 months old.

 

[Kanab]

How do you change these things? Is this the one that's in the glove compartment? Does the owners manual give instructions on how to change it? You can tell I have not looked into this. I have 18K miles and my 4runner is 11 months old. Sounds like it's time I look into how to do this job. Is this something that I can get at any auto parts store or is it best to use OEM?

 

[greasefingers]

It is very easy to change. The cabin filter is located behind the glovebox door. You need to remove one Philips head screw (on the right hand side) then squeeze or compress the sides of the glovebox until you can drop the tabs that stop it from dropping to the floor. Let it hang by its hinge and remove the old filter.

The last time I checked, 8 months ago, the auto stores did not carry them. My dealer wants $29 a pop, so I make mine out of the HomeDepot Mod

Eighteen months is way too long of an interval. Yours will look like the ones posted. Yucky.

 

[Kanab]

It is very easy to change. The cabin filter is located behind the glovebox door. You need to remove one Philips head screw (on the right hand side) then squeeze or compress the sides of the glovebox until you can drop the tabs that stop it from dropping to the floor. Let it hang by its hinge and remove the old filter.

The last time I checked, 8 months ago, the auto stores did not carry them. My dealer wants $29 a pop, so I make mine out of the HomeDepot Mod

Eighteen months is way too long of an interval. Yours will look like the ones posted. Yucky.

MInes only 11 months old so I hope its not to bad.

 

[greasefingers]

My bad...I thought you stated 18 months. I don't have a regular replacement schedule because I find it gets dirtier in the winter, when salt is being spread, then in the summer. Instead I simply rip it out now & then and check it. Have replaced mine three times in 20 months.

 

[Kmvreter]

The MicronAir brand filter is denser than stock. It appears to be the "same" material as a pleated house filter but it has more pleats (ie. larger filter surface area.) Bottom line is anything else is better than Toy OEM stock which is flimsy, nearly see-through, not as many pleats and way overpriced.

bulldog-yota,
Can you take top and bottom pics of a dirty homemade next time you have it out? Is it possible to crowd more pleats when you make it up?

 

[Kanab]

Where can you pick up this MicronAir Brand filter? Any major auto parts chains carry them. I tried ORielly auto parts and they did not carry them.