Cabin air filter 1 yr. update

[daibutsu]

Not MicronAir but another good filter is Denso's. Got mine here: http://www.densoproducts.com/
Noticeably better quality than stock (triple layer). Just wish they were a little cheaper. Total for 2 with tax and S&H was $36.71.

 

[Kmvreter]

"You guys with the Denso and MicronAir filters go to a local HW store at some point and let us know how the element quality holds up against the 3M filter."
bulldog,
Like I mentioned earlier, it appears to be similar material as the 3M pleated but is denser, not as spongy. I will try to take better pics. Also, if my cleaning experiment doesn't work then I will cut it apart and analyse.
I believe the micronAir is from the US (I'll check) so I'm surprised you can't find it. It is still a better price here at Canadian Tire (large automotive chain store) than importing the Denso.
Keep you posted.

 

[Kanab]

OK, I found a Bosch replacement for $19.95, the dealer wants $23.00 for the OEM replacement, and another auto parts store wants $26.95 for a WIX replacement. Now I'm a little concerned about getting the Toyota OEM since it was stated that the replacement was not as good as the one that came with the 4runner from the factory. I have no idea if the Bosch that is the cheapest is as high quality as the OEM or the WIX and the WIX would have to be even better for the extra money. Anyone have any insight on all of these filters? Or does it really matter one way or the other??? since I've lived most of my life driving vehicles with no cabin filter at all. Any suggestions??

 

[Kmvreter]

Pitbull,
You stated "Now I'm a little concerned about getting the Toyota OEM since it was stated that the replacement was not as good as the one that came with the 4runner from the factory. I have no idea if the Bosch that is the cheapest is as high quality as the OEM..."
I'm sensing that there is some confusion here. I stated earlier that the Toyota OEM (that came with the T4R from the factory) is "is flimsy, nearly see-through, not as many pleats and way overpriced." Anything else should be better than OEM. I don't know about WIX, Bosch or Denso (haven't seen them.)
Just look at the one you intend to buy in the store and compare it to what Toyota gave you originally. They should be night and day better than OEM.

 

[Kmvreter]

As a followup...

I took some pics of the dirty filters with a troublelight in the background. The OEM after use is clearly more transparent (ie. won't catch fine dirt and dust.)

 

[Kmvreter]

Now same settings for a pic of the micronAir. It is obviously denser and holds more fine dirt. I checked and it is made in US, contact www.micronair.com to find a dealer.

 

[ScottAW]

daibutsu -

Tried to order the Denso air filters from the link you provided and it redirected me to sparksplug.com. Is that where you purchased yours from? Are they an OK site to order from??

Thanks,
Scott

 

[Kmvreter]

The model number TY00145P is the non-carbon version. I'm not sure if they have a carbon filter for the T4R. They definitely say "Made in U.S.A." right on the filter edge.

 

[Kanab]

I went ahead and ordered the Bosch from the local AutoZone for $19.95. I will let you guys know if it looks better than OEM. Like the MicronAir they talk it up but don't give any spec's. I'll have it Friday.

 

[MAC4Runner]

I used to run charcoal micron air filters in my VW and they worked great. :bigok:

Bulldog - Let us know if you find a US retailer....

 

[Kanab]

I'm beginning to think that none of these filters are much more than leaf catchers. If they were, the manufactures would be touting the spec's of their filter and comparing them to other manufactures filters. All they say is their filter is great and no spec's. I guess it will be up to use to try and determine which one is the best leaf catcher.

 

[Kanab]

Here is what MicronAIr send back to me.

"Our part # is TY00145P (particle) or TY00145C (carbon). Since we make the CAF for Bosch (F00E160176) you can buy them @ AutoZone."

No anmswer of any of the other questions.

Pitbull, let us know what your filter looks like.

Got a call from autozone this evening and will pick it up tomorrow, I will let you know how it compares with the one that came from the factory.

 

[yabedude]

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?

It's so easy to change. Remove the 4 screws holding that little 'hidden' compartment in your glove box. I think you have to first unscrew the 'shock' arm holding the glove box up. Behind the hidden compartment, you'll immediately see a white horizontal rectangular door. Pop it open and pull the hepa (sp) filter out.

I put in the OEM one last summer after seeing the original one caked with dust and tree parts (from off-roading). Man, it was dirty. At the time, I checked several places for alternatives, but there didn't seem to be anything. The stealer made a few bucks considering C.T. now has something at more than 1/2 the cost.

Kmvreter - thanks for the heads up as it's time to change it again. It stinks now when I turn the air con on. Must have had too much moisture and may even be moldy now. Heck, it could even have a dead rodent in it -- I know a fellow that found one in his t4r filter a couple of years ago (gross!)

Not sure, but a picture might be coming soon ...

 

[Kmvreter]

It's so easy to change. Remove the 4 screws holding that little 'hidden' compartment in your glove box. I think you have to first unscrew the 'shock' arm holding the glove box up. Behind the hidden compartment, you'll immediately see a white horizontal rectangular door. Pop it open and pull the hepa (sp) filter out.
...

You don't have to remove 4 screws. Look in the owners manual for the pics: remove one screw for the glove box door arm and go from there.

Now that I know they have a carbon filter I'll enquire about it at Canadian Tire (maybe they can order it in.)

 

[Kanab]

Pitbull, here is quick write up of the "Ghetto mod ", but will shoy you how to remove the filter. Pretty straight forward.

Write Up

Thanks I got the Bosch cabin filter today and just changed it. After 11 months and 18K miles mine was not that bad but bad enough that I will change it every year.

 

[bulldog-yota]

Thanks I got the Bosch cabin filter today and just changed it. After 11 months and 18K miles mine was not that bad but bad enough that I will change it every year.

How does the bosch compare to the stock and the Micron one?

 

[Kanab]

How does the bosch compare to the stock and the Micron one?

Looks the same as the picture of the Micron and in person it is way better than the stock Toyota cabin filter. Cost me $19 at Autozone. They had to order it and it took two days to come in. I will continue to use these every spring. Wonder how many people never change these filters? I know my dealer never said anything to me about it and its not in the maintance guide.

 

[Kanab]

Well the Bosch and Micron is the same thing, They have send me another reply.

"We do make a particle filter for the 2003 4Runners. We supply it to Bosch and it can be ordered at any AUTOZONE store nationwide. We are currently tooling up to produce a carbon version and expect to have it available later this year.



Thank you for your interest "

Can I assume that we will be able to use the carbon version in our 4runners? If so would that provide a benefit?

 

[yabedude]

Just picked up 2 non-carbon versions of the Micronair filter from Canadian Tire in Mississauga, ON. Checking in the local store in BC yesterday revealed they don't carry them, so hopped on a jet this am just to get these ;-)

 

[Kmvreter]

Just picked up 2 non-carbon versions of the Micronair filter from Canadian Tire in Mississauga, ON. Checking in the local store in BC yesterday revealed they don't carry them, so hopped on a jet this am just to get these ;-)

A mans got to do what a mans got to do!
Are we obsessed or what?