Top tips for air filter replacement

MS Motorservice offers its tips on everything to do with air filters.

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? What are the possible mistakes that could be made during the replacement and what is the correct approach?

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 as 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. The filter paper may tear due to the high air pressure. 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.