cabin air filter loaded with tree crap

[catrains]

so it appears that there is a space on each side of the plastic screen under the hood firewall ..

I plan to seal the ends to keep out tree crap and very possible rodent critters.

question ,,,,,,,,,, how do I remove this plastic screen part to make sure its all clean in the air way under it ...

just plastic retainers ?

 

[Swarty]

This is a good plan

so it appears that there is a space on each side of the plastic screen under the hood firewall ..

I plan to seal the ends to keep out tree crap and very possible rodent critters.

question ,,,,,,,,,, how do I remove this plastic screen part to make sure its all clean in the air way under it ...

just plastic retainers ?

Apparently I'm lazy. But this is a good plan I didn't even consider. My cabin filter tends to have a mixture of leaves, pine needles, and dead wasps when I replace it... I don't have any useful tips though. I'd look at the diagrams at a parts site like Olathe. They usually show the hardware.

 

[Bossman]

This thread should get you started.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/237195-cabin-air-filter-chewed-up.html

 

[catrains]

This thread should get you started.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/237195-cabin-air-filter-chewed-up.html

thanks fellow member on that info.... this should be a important thread to inform 4 runner owners , protect the vehicle from rodent interior damage.. those gaps on each side are a vehicle defect. should be closed up.

the screen used in the pictures is exactly what I use on my other GM vehicles on the air cleaner air intake box... so I will use that screen on the cabin air intake as well as the engine air cleaner box...on the 4 runner..

those small red squirrels are a nasty rodent esp if they get into the house attic area..

 

[catrains]

so the weather has improved 60F out I removed/lifted the air intake plastic screen for the HVAC blower intake.. thanks for the info you members gave me .. I lfted the plastic intake screen removed the driver side W/wiper arm and the rodents do get in because toyota fabricated 2 large holes on each fender that allows a good sized rat to get into our vehicle..

4 holes total... I used a thick asphalt matt to block off the 4 holes..

I also covered the strip on each side of the plastic screen shield between the fender top and the plastic gap...

the matt I installed I did leave a very small gap so water drains out..

this summer I plan on installing rat wire to block off the holes use an adhesive to set the screen in place.. also place a screen over the intake of the blower directly above the air filter..

I also opened up the engine air box and placed a rat wire screen on the plastic pipe so they cannot get into that ...