DIY Cheap Carbon Cabin Air Filter

[txtroutbum]

In the past 2 weeks since I got my '05 4Runner, I've spent WAY too much time reading the threads on this forum! One of the things I checked was my cabin air filter, which I'm sure hadn't ever been changed (21K Miles), so, I did some web investigating, and ran across an easy filter conversion that I thought I'd pass on with some photos. Total time, about 10 minutes. Cost: $9.99, and that should be good for about 6 filter changes.

It's the WEB brand odor control filter, designed as a refil for a home a/c furnace filter. It comes with 3 parts; first a green filter layer; next a black carbon layer, and lastly a plastic grid to help hold it in. Here's a photo of the filter straight from the store (I bought it at Lowe's).

 

[txtroutbum]

Old Filter

Took out the old, dirty filter....

 

[txtroutbum]

Cut the new green filter layer with scissors, placed it in the filter tray....


:awais: EDIT: See the thread following that the Black (Carbon) layer should go in the filter tray first, followed by the Green filter layer!!!

 

[txtroutbum]

Cut the black "carbon" layer, laid that on top of the green layer. Then cut the plastic grid to fit....made sure it was kinda tight to hold the two layers down.

 

[txtroutbum]

Heres the backside of the filter, ready to slide back into the filter slot...put one screw back in the glove box and we're good to go....

Time will tell how long this will last, but I've set a reminder for myself to check it in 90 days and see how it goes.

 

[4dailyRunner]

GREAT IDEA

:awais:


Thanks for the write up and the pics.

A replacement OEM filter (on the web) is around $30 USD.

I have the original air filter in for almost 43k.

Your pictures at 21k have given me pause for concern.

Maybe I will post a photo of it, and we can compare DIRT...ha.

A BROWN LUNG Award for T4R.ORG???

 

[jharris2]

Re: GREAT IDEA

I have the original air filter in for almost 43k.

I have 25K miles on mine and have replaced the cabin air filter several times. With the DIY filter you can afford to.

 

[Jacobzky]

nicely done!

 

[toto]

Re: GREAT IDEA

Your pictures at 21k have given me pause for concern.

Maybe I will post a photo of it, and we can compare DIRT...ha.

Do know that not all cabin air filters start off being white.
I changed one at about 25K that I thought was filthy because it was a pretty consistent gray color. Well guess what - the new one (OEM) was the same color!
So here's a tip for everyone - look at your cabin air filter when it's new so you know what "dirty" looks like later!

 

[toybox]

Re: GREAT IDEA

:A replacement OEM filter (on the web) is around $30 USD.

Just so you know, you can get these at partznet for ~$16

 

[Kmvreter]

txtroutbum,
Excellent idea.
I have a question though. Do you have the 2 filter parts in the correct order for the air flow? Shouldn't the green media be on top to catch the large crap, then the carbon layer?

 

[txtroutbum]

That is how it flows, I beleive...at least that was my intent, for the airflow to go through the green layer first, then the black (carbon) layer. it looked to me like the original filter was set in that way...

what do ya'll think? Is the airflow from the bottom up through the filter???

 

[Kmvreter]

Air flow is top down with the filter holder in the installed position. All the leaves and dirt are on top when you remove a dirty filter.

 

[txtroutbum]

txtroutbum,
Excellent idea.
I have a question though. Do you have the 2 filter parts in the correct order for the air flow? Shouldn't the green media be on top to catch the large crap, then the carbon layer?

You're right then, the green layer should be on top, with the black carbon filter on the bottom...I'll double check the instructions on the filter when I get home, but I've probably got it in backwards...

good catch....

 

[txtroutbum]

Double checked the filter instructions and yes, the airflow should go through Green first, then Black carbon. I've flipped my install over so that green is on top....

 

[Jacobzky]

i might check my AC filter, its been 8k miles.

 

[4dailyRunner]

I just grossed myself out

:bugeye:

Huge Bugs, bug parts, leaves, and dryer lint like "stuff" were just found in my AC filter at (43K).

Anyone want SOME TEA??? heh heh heh...

A new filter or the DIY method described is planned. Short term mitigation made with my 5 HP shop Vac.

Cheers!

Anyone want to see Pictures... :naughty:

 

[Jacobzky]

go for it. it could be the biggest tea bag.

 

[txtroutbum]

Important addendum!!!

As with lots of mods, there might always be "adjustments!"

This afternoon I got in the T4R after it had been sittin' in our hot Texas sun for a few hours....cranked up the A/C and headed down the road....noticed the A/C wasn't blowin' too hard...still cold, but not its old hard blowin' self...

I took out the carbon layer of the filter and saw a noticable improvement in the airflow through the system. While I had not considered this earlier to be a factor, I now think it's important to point out that this filter might restrict airflow too much for the A/C system.

Since I'm not an A/C expert, only a guy tryin' to save a few bucks on a filter, some of ya'll out there that are smarter than me should weigh in on the airflow question.

 

[spyne]

Re: Important addendum!!!

As with lots of mods, there might always be "adjustments!"

This afternoon I got in the T4R after it had been sittin' in our hot Texas sun for a few hours....cranked up the A/C and headed down the road....noticed the A/C wasn't blowin' too hard...still cold, but not its old hard blowin' self...

I took out the carbon layer of the filter and saw a noticable improvement in the airflow through the system. While I had not considered this earlier to be a factor, I now think it's important to point out that this filter might restrict airflow too much for the A/C system.

Since I'm not an A/C expert, only a guy tryin' to save a few bucks on a filter, some of ya'll out there that are smarter than me should weigh in on the airflow question.

Well, I have to admit I wondered about airflow when I first saw your post. The stock cabin air filter is VERY unrestrictive (is that a word?). It's really only there to catch bugs, leaves and the other big stuff that gets sucked in through the hood vent. I don't know what the stock units micron rating is, but it's got to be pretty high. I'm guessing it'll stop small sand, but nothing much smaller than that. What you've put together is likely too restrictive for the stock fan to overcome.