since vital information was spread between multiple post, i decided to post them into one and add my own video.


Okay, I have seen some posts stating that there are some difficulties getting into the air filter housing to replace the filter. I was having problems myself, but I just figured it out. Here is what I did (and be aware that I am no mechanic, so I may use fictional names for some of the parts involved):

1. Remove the engine cover (obviously).

2. There are two small plastic posts at the front of the filter housing that snap into the engine compartment. With one hand on each side I pushed the housing back and the posts out of their connections.

3. There are also two posts at the bottom of the filter housing that are difficult to see, and are virtually impossible to dislodge by pushing back. But there is a trick. At the top rear of the filter housing, there are two small platforms where the posts on the engine cover snap into place. Place a couple of fingers under each one, and pull straight up. The bottom posts will pop right out. The only thing left to do is push the housing back so that the filter housing's front intake opening separates from the engine compartment and.....voila. You can now tinker with the filter at your leisure. And no need to disconnect anything from the filter housing.

If anyone would like photos if any of this is unclear, I can try to get some. Or if someone else with better access to a digital camera and who understood my instructions can do it, even better. Hope that helps.




Too late for you, but this might help someone else. VIDEO (http://208.224.136.14/mike/rx8club/airbox.mov)

It's about 5 1/2 megs and you will need Quicktime 7 (http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/standalone.html)

Here it is in DivX (http://208.224.136.14/mike/rx8club/airbox1.avi)(.avi)

It's kind of hard to explain, you just have to get it right once.

courtesy of cesaralaniz (PICS)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/xsnipersgox/AirFilterBoxRemoval1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/xsnipersgox/AirFilterBoxRemoval2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/xsnipersgox/AirFilterBoxRemoval3.jpg

finally my videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I6_UnQELcw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nK38j9IC7L4

Might want to make a note to be careful not to push the rubber grommets for the bottom posts through their own holes when reinstalling the air box. I lost both of mine and had to replace them with the grommets from the engine cover (which incidentally work a lot better because they are much stiffer and don't easily push through the hole)

Very nice write-up. I get COUNTLESS PMs on this matter due to my other DIY. :)

Actually, I'll just link my other DIY to this one.

heh, thanks for expo 1 for his video or else i'd never be able to get it off... now a video of taking the front bumper off next... with racing beat screen video install XD

Might want to make a note to be careful not to push the rubber grommets for the bottom posts through their own holes when reinstalling the air box. I lost both of mine and had to replace them with the grommets from the engine cover (which incidentally work a lot better because they are much stiffer and don't easily push through the hole)

Might want to make a note to be careful not to push the rubber grommets for the bottom posts through their own holes when reinstalling the air box. I lost both of mine and had to replace them with the grommets from the engine cover (which incidentally work a lot better because they are much stiffer and don't easily push through the hole)


Also, if you do happen to lose the grommets, you better check for them. They have a tendency to fall directly in to the radiator fans! :banghead:

I was able to fish mine out but you have to remove the whole box, its platform, etc. You definitely don't want to leave them in the fans.

Thanks for the DIY

I have been struggling to open mines for the paste 8 months!
thnks!

ahh... the old gromet into the fan trick.

That has been reported quite a few times.

I just took mine out altogether. The grommets, not he airbox. Works fine without it, no play or issues. I dropped them in the fan once and said never again!

Yup, I just lost one of the lower air box grommets this weekend and similarly replaced with one of the engine cover rubber grommets. The cover didn't really need that one anyway. ;)

Might want to make a note to be careful not to push the rubber grommets for the bottom posts through their own holes when reinstalling the air box. I lost both of mine and had to replace them with the grommets from the engine cover (which incidentally work a lot better because they are much stiffer and don't easily push through the hole)

why is this impossible to get off, I still haven't gotten mine off.. I'm to afraid it will break.

The first time is very difficult but thereafter easier as the flex duct compresses more easily and the grommets also release easier.

why is this impossible to get off, I still haven't gotten mine off.. I'm to afraid it will break.

ok I can get the front posts out but how to get the bottom posts to come out?

The images and youtube links were invaluable. Thanks much!

It definitely took more strength than I imagined to pop the box out. I found it to be a lot easier once I removed the battery cover and negative lead wire from the left side.

Besides a minor cut I'm feeling pretty good about the whole experience. :)

Finally!!!

I found the sticking point. That tube that is clipped on to the front there makes it impossible to get off. I might need a new air filter.

I took off those fins inside the box as well. It certainly sounds different.

I think I lost one of the rubber grommets also... is it retrievable without having to take the front bumper off?

Finally!!!

I found the sticking point. That tube that is clipped on to the front there makes it impossible to get off. I might need a new air filter.

I took off those fins inside the box as well. It certainly sounds different.

I think I lost one of the rubber grommets also... is it retrievable without having to take the front bumper off?

the dealer lost both of mine. how do I get them out?:eek:

The images and youtube links were invaluable. Thanks much!

It definitely took more strength than I imagined to pop the box out. I found it to be a lot easier once I removed the battery cover and negative lead wire from the left side.

Besides a minor cut I'm feeling pretty good about the whole experience. :)


its not your car until it has your blood, sweat, and/or tears on it :yesnod:

Also remember to take off the battery tray cover. I broke the clips on my cover removing the airbox. I guess I man handled my baby too hard.

Ok, I followed all those steps and I believe the bottom posts were released as well. I see that the flex duct is fully compressed but there is this small plastic clip that holds a thin hose and it is impossible to pass through that point. The lower part of the filter box hits on that point and although I put all my weight pushing the box, it is already to its maximum. Maybe the lower posts haven't released and I just think that they did? I don't know but I see that he only way to get it out is to break that plastic.

Only thought is that all the rearward pushing is going directly into the throttle body, which is held in place by the intake manifold, which is plastic, which runs across the top of the motor and is bolted to the lower intake. There is a heck of a lever arm on that plastic and those bolts.

I work the plastic flex duct out first, then do this. It takes a little longer, but you get the same result without all the pushing.

I work the plastic flex duct out first, then do this. It takes a little longer, but you get the same result without all the pushing.

If I am recalling correctly, I believe this is how the factory manual advises doing it...

I work the plastic flex duct out first, then do this. It takes a little longer, but you get the same result without all the pushing.

So, you untight the ring that holds the flex duct and then you pull the duct rearwards. And doesn't this require a lot of pulling to get the duct out? I thought to do this but then I thought that it will require the same amount of strength but instead of push it will be pull. Does it come out easily or does it need a lot of pulling effort?

Only thought is that all the rearward pushing is going directly into the throttle body, which is held in place by the intake manifold, which is plastic, which runs across the top of the motor and is bolted to the lower intake. There is a heck of a lever arm on that plastic and those bolts.

I work the plastic flex duct out first, then do this. It takes a little longer, but you get the same result without all the pushing.

I'm going to try this way next time. I did the pushing method described above yesterday for the first time and it did the job but an easier way would be preferred!

^ Bump thread from hibernation!

Because I used search :O

I replaced the air filter for the first time recently, after watching the videos and reading the posts. For me, it turned out to be easier than I had previously imagined. The technique lies in the systematic release of the airbox from the 4 rubber grommets. Rather than shoving the thing back brutally (which also risks dislodging and losing grommets), just lift the box out of the top grommets first (pull firmly on each one at a time until the prong pops out), then get your hands down under the box and pull it out of each of the lower grommets one at a time. All 4 should release relatively easily with firm pulling. The direction to pull the top out is obvious for the top, not as readily obvious for the bottom. Use a work light to view the lower grommets as you pull the box out of them to ensure you are pulling in the correct plane and direction for easier removal.

The only additional exertion to finally pull the box up for filter access is pressing back against the accordian tube to clear the plastic clip in front ( this clip is vestigial on many models and can be cut off if desired for easier subsequent airbox removal).

Yea be careful with those gromets, I somehow lost both my lower ones. It doesnt really affect the box much it is still solidly in place but I wish I had them.