I ordered an Aldehyde air filter from mazdastuff.com and it arrived today.

I've never installed a cabin air filter, so it took a little bit of prodding around to find where it goes (filter didn't come with instructions). Anyway, I figured I'd share my results.

--SL01

First step, pop this slider off glove compartment door. It came off pretty easily with a flat head screw driver providing a little leverage. Putting it back is simply a matter of pressing it back by hand. Very easy...

Now the glove compartment will come down lower than usual, but still not far enough. There are two plastic tabs on either side of the drawer. Simply squeeze the sides of the compartment inward and the two tabs will clear the housing.

Here's the right side tab afterward.

And the left side tab. Getting these back in is also easy, just squeeze the sides together while closing.

Behind the glove compartment is the air filter box. The panel on the front pulls toward you to open. The far right side is way back in there, so do the left first and use the leverage you get from that to get the right side off.

Putting this back is simply a matter of pressing it back on. It clicks into place pretty easily.

Here's the air box opened. The filter is actually in two pieces so you can get it in and out with the limited right side clearance.

All I can say is wow... thanks for the info and taking the time to document it!

wow dude, that was crazy...I could follow those instructions!

WOW. Very easy 2 follow. Can you do one on how to install a turbo charger on a rx-8.

I actually looked for the filter(s) yesterday, got as far as dropping the glove box all the way, but couldn't find it! Thought it was maybe on the outside of the firewall & gave up....

Thanks for the directions!
.
.
.
doc

Thanks!!

I thought the RX-8 came with the filter stock?

How much was it?

Thanks again!

Vince

Originally posted by moogle
WOW. Very easy 2 follow. Can you do one on how to install a turbo charger on a rx-8.

LOL! I wish I could!

--SL01

Originally posted by compaddict
Thanks!!

I thought the RX-8 came with the filter stock?

How much was it?

Thanks again!

Vince

Yeah, there is a filter in there stock, but it's just a regular filter (white pleats, white frame). The filter you can get from Mazdastuff.com (any Mazda parts dealer, actually) is the Aldehyde fancy shmancy one (grey pleats, black frame) that collects smoke and various other airborne nastiness.

It's not cheap ($44), but I wanted to try it since smoke bothers me and they're burning scrub brush near my home.

--SL01

Originally posted by SL01
Yeah, there is a filter in there stock, but it's just a regular filter (white pleats, white frame).Thanks for the tip and photos. Methinks I'll be pulling out the standard filters and treating them to a dose of the tacky "filter charger" spray that we use on our home HVAC system. Does anyone know how much the standard filters cost to replace, or the life expectancy of them vs the aldehyde filter?

Very cool!

Thanks,

Vince

Can someone recall the thread discussing buying a sheet of similar material and then cutting it down to size. Instead of paying $44 bucks for a small filter you can get sheets of similar material for $12. If someone can find the thread post it here, thanks.

SL01 you are the man! Maybe you could do a little manual on replacing the rear speakers?? Hehehe...

Originally posted by brothervoodoo
Can someone recall the thread discussing buying a sheet of similar material and then cutting it down to size. Instead of paying $44 bucks for a small filter you can get sheets of similar material for $12. If someone can find the thread post it here, thanks.

I posted some info about this before b/c I did this simple mod in my Celica (I think there were other forum members that did the same thing as well). Anyway, I can't find the actual thread b/c I think the reply was prob off-topic.

Here's the link I posted from NewCelica.org that describes the process - which should be very similar.

Celica cabin air filter mod (http://www.newcelica.org/other/installs/insidefilter/index.htm)

Not really that hard - just buy a furnance filter, measure and cut it up into as many as you can make and install. From the pics posted, looks like some slight modifications might be needed in order to get the filter to fit. Hopefully, someone will try (I would but my 8 isn't here yet)

Why spend $40+ for ONE when you can make 4 or more for under $15?

Hey, that's pretty inventive!

Originally posted by OmegaBob


I posted some info about this before b/c I did this simple mod in my Celica.....
Celica cabin air filter mod (http://www.newcelica.org/other/installs/insidefilter/index.htm)

Why spend $40+ for ONE when you can make 4 or more for under $15?

That was the thread I was looking for, thanks..

youse guys are amazin!

uh, which direction is the airflow in the RX8?

Killer directions SL01. I move that somebody creates a DIY folder and starts dumping the good threads (or just cleaned up pages) with all of the good installs in there - like this one, or the MP3 player, etc. I've used ptdiy.com several times and it's really handy if you're actually going to do a little work on the car.

Or should this reply go in the suggestions box? Now where was that box...

Originally posted by RodsterinFL
uh, which direction is the airflow in the RX8?

I was going to ask the same question.

If there aren't any markings on the filter itself, then I guess the easiest way to find out is to turn on the air while the filter/glove compartment is open and feel for the airflow.

btw - SL01: nice install pics! :)

Originally posted by OmegaBob


I was going to ask the same question.

If there aren't any markings on the filter itself, then I guess the easiest way to find out is to turn on the air while the filter/glove compartment is open and feel for the airflow.

btw - SL01: nice install pics! :)

Thanks guys. When I removed the white filter, there was debris in the top side of the filter. So... I suspect the air flow is top to bottom.

--SL01

Originally posted by SL01
When I removed the white filter, there was debris in the top side of the filter. So... I suspect the air flow is top to bottom.

Thx again!!!! :D

Great instructions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!

It's stuff like this that really make these forums worth while.

Great instructions.....another thanks from me! I was wanting to tear into that thing and see what it was all about.

Does anybody know if this only filters fresh air from outside of the car, or does it also filter the recirc'd air?

Airflow direction is typically top to bottom. Above the filter is a grate to pull air from the inside, and the flapper there either closes off the outside duct, or closes off the grate, depending on the Recirc button.

The blower fan itself is at the bottom of the unit.

Dale

BTW, the new filter does work. We were amazed when we happened to tilt open the roof while behind a somewhat smokey truck. Suddenly we got a really overpowering whif of not properly combusted oil/diesel. We were running with the AC on and outside air flow. Prior to opening the top there was a hint of exhaust but nothing to tell us the filter was protecting us from the equivalent of a skunk. Top got closed ASAP.

No more having to quickly switch to recycle to avoid bus fumes!

I'm counting this as one of the best spent $44 I've dropped in a long time. They get replaced every 25K miles.

Originally posted by Edge
BTW, the new filter does work. We were amazed when we happened to tilt open the roof while behind a somewhat smokey truck. Suddenly we got a really overpowering whif of not properly combusted oil/diesel. We were running with the AC on and outside air flow. Prior to opening the top there was a hint of exhaust but nothing to tell us the filter was protecting us from the equivalent of a skunk. Top got closed ASAP.

No more having to quickly switch to recycle to avoid bus fumes!

I'm counting this as one of the best spent $44 I've dropped in a long time. They get replaced every 25K miles.

I'll second that... I no longer smell smoke from cars emitting blue clouds, buses, or people with cigarettes hanging out the window. :)

--SL01

I would love to see more threads like this one.... the pictures are sooper helpful! :)

Outstanding 'thread'! Thank you for your efforts providing the installation photos. I ordered the Aldehyde filter option yesterday and will knowingly do the installation when it arrives.

going to change mine tonite..... thanks for the info... very helpful indeed!!

Has anyone tried this with a cut-up-furnace-filter yet? If so, is it just as effective as the Aldehyde filter?

I presume the 'Aldehyde' filter is an upgrade to the standard paper element filter? Sounds like it's charcoal impregnated for odor control - maybe a tigher or different weave for allergens etc...?

- That's not bad access at all - Kudos to Mazda for some foresight here - I've done this job on some cars and had to take out half the dash and AC ductwork making the same replacement a 2 to 4 hour job!

WHile $40 may seem high I presume the standard filter is much less and is or soon will be available from aftermarket suppliers. This is not something you have to change frequently - depending on your locale with with the AC on recirc - you could go years between changes perhaps.

A quick google search turns up this link:

http://www.mazda.com/publicity/public/9904/990408ea.html

--SL01

I ordered mine today!

Can't wait :)

I just installed mine (via your instructions)! Thanks for the GREAT instructions!

I don't even HAVE an 8 (yet??), but thanks for taking the time to do a nice writeup with pictures! It helps everyone out so much!

Brian

Awsome Pics man, i ordered mine today, hopefully will help with the constant "smell" from the german atmosphere

very nice instructions

I just put the Aldahyde filter as well and its filters out all the random smells from exhaust to trash its really worth the $44 !!

Originally posted by SL01
A quick google search turns up this link:

http://www.mazda.com/publicity/public/9904/990408ea.html

--SL01


so are no furnace filters made with this stuff? the link says mazda is the first to use it in cars, but perhaps it is available elsewhere?

thanks for the writeup. I just ordered the air filter, and decided to grab the shock sensor and sunscreen while I was at it.

the Aldehyde filter was designed by a Mazda engineer...it is COMPLETELY new technology...not just for cars it will probably be used in EVERYTHING (I thought Mazda only made cars...actually this was a Mazda engineer...female I believe...who was frustrated with the lack of good filtering technology in cars...she brainstormed and came up with an amazing technology that will help people worldwide!

I installed mine...not for me but my girlfriend, she is allergic to just about everything so it was like giving a present to her...SHE LOVES IT...I benefit by no sticky shit coming from the outside...

Question...if it is on 'circulate air' does it filter the air? if so will it filter out gas release in the cabin? j/k

Wow, a huge thank you to SL01 for his great instructions and photos.

I've only had my 8 for three days, but I'm allergic to damn near everything (except 1g corners) so I'll be installing one of these soon, after I do the oil cooler screens. Gotta protect my new baby.

It's stuff like this that convinced me to buy this car even before I test drove it. Love all you guys/gals and the helpful enthusiasm.

Question...if it is on 'circulate air' does it filter the air? if so will it filter out gas release in the cabin? j/k
Can someone please answer? thx

I wonder if removing the filter entirely would help the A/C move more air. Hmmm....may have to try it.

uh heh. you can also use that same logic for your car's air filter!

Yes, but if I remove the car's engine air filter it will destroy the engine over time. Car A/C systems ran fine for years before cabin filtration was implemented.

I found a lot of bugs, dirt and other random garbage in the filter when I replaced it. It will stay in place in my car :)

I may dig into mine this weekend and see what gives. If I can get a CFM meter from my Air Conditioning buddy, I'll check the difference. I wonder if the newer filter that folks are talking about will allow more air. Maybe I can put a K&N in there! :-)

From what I've read on other posts, the a/c problem has nothing to do with the filter, but with the control unit programmed to cycle the a/c off prematurely, ostensibly to enhance mpg.

Just wanted to thank SL01 for his awesome instructions on how to fit the filter, just fitted it now into my UK RX-8 so everything was on the other side but the same procedure applied all the same.

Hope it's worth it though!! In addition to the $45 cost of the item I had to pay a further $72 for international shipping and then when it arrived in the UK I had to pay a customs surcharge of another 40 bucks!

Anyway, the amount of leaves and bits that had accumulated in my old filter during the six months I've had my car made me feel that it was money well spent - this accessory does not appear to be available in the UK at all and I'm looking forward to a cleaner clearer cabin in the future.

Andy

SL01,
Thanks for the superb instructions. I installed the new aldahyde filters easily and no longer have to smell the exhaust fumes.

where are the pics! i need to install a new cabin filter soon -___-

where are the pics! i need to install a new cabin filter soon -___-

Here you go, 6 total: 5 in this post, 1 in the next.

#6:

Thank You!

To answer truemagellen's question, yes, it does filter both the external *and* recirculated air - the filter is right above the intake (suction) side of the blower fan. I fooled around w/ the a/c controls while I had the filter out so I could see how it worked.

Turns out that it was a good thing I decided to replace the stock filter - apparently there must have been a "critter" which had gotten into the plenum and had chewed through part of the filter and the foam on the damper door which selects fresh or recirculated air....

I finally got around to installing my filter yesterday (on the dealer's "Service" driveway, of all places). So simple, thanks to this thread.

Thanks so much!!!

Does anyone know how long (time or mileage?) that the filter is supposed to last?

I got my filter in early April, and recently noticed it's not working as well as it used to. (I am starting to smell diesel and other fumes coming into the car, that I had not smelled since before April.)

Wow somehow when i was installing it the damn slider piece broke off... where the screw in..... Now what do i do... As usual i screw up everything..

does this filter take out the new car smell as well??

or is it about the same as stock in filter new car smell... i freaking love the smell of the rx8 so much.. everytime i take super deep breaths and get dizzy.. .haha

does this filter take out the new car smell as well??

or is it about the same as stock in filter new car smell... i freaking love the smell of the rx8 so much.. everytime i take super deep breaths and get dizzy.. .haha
you RX-8 crack addict :Freak_ani:Eyecrazy::mdrmed:

think it's time to order this guy for my 8. Anyone know an easy place to get it?

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/cgi-bin/shopper?preadd=action&key=RX8M1008

i picked one up on ebay for 35 bucks, but has been a while since i have seen another.

beers :beer:

Swoope, I don't care what anyone else around here says about you....you're alright in my book. :mdrmed:

thanks for the linky...

Swoope, I don't care what anyone else around here says about you....you're alright in my book. :mdrmed:

thanks for the linky...

hey,

it is all true i am great and an asshole at the same time... practice, practice, practice.


beers :beer:

Has anyone tried buying a regular furnace filter and cutting it to fit?
I know it was mentioned early on, but I don't see anyone having done it.
I decided to check mine since it's so easy to do, and it needs to be changed for sure.
I only run re-circulated air, so I didn't think it would be that bad, but it was.

I will be going to Home Depot today to see if I can find an adequate replacement.
When searching for a filter to use as a replacement, you should check the MERV rating on the filter.

The MERV System (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) provides minimum efficiency values.
When you first install a new filter, its efficiency is at its lowest point, until it can build up dust particles to trap more dust.

The highest MERV value is 16. The higher the better.
Home Depot sells True Blue filters that are MERV 12.
These are the highest I've found. They cost $60(4 Pack) 16"x25"x1"
You can get about 4 filters per sheet. Our filters side-by-side measure 8.25"x9"
4 filters per sheet x 4 sheets = 16 filter changes
Anyways, if I can find one with a better rating I'll buy it, otherwise I'm buying this one.

Thanks for the info and the instructions. Took me a whole 3 minutes to install! Wow, my stock filter was jammed with bits of pollen and dust.

Guess, I'm going to try mod my stock filter with the furnace filter ... wish me luck.

You can also try fish aquaruim filters.

Some of them have charcole in them to filter out oders and clean the air.

Here's what I bought.
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=frameSet&url=www.3m.com/us/home_leisure/filtrete/lowes/rp_ultraallergen.htm

I ended up going w/ this because I wanted something w/ wires to hold the whole thing together.
I paid $8 for a 20x30 size. I can get 5 filters changes out of it.

Basically, here's the steps I took.

The filter in the car has a plastic case around it. I wanted to use that case, so I tore the old filter material out.
Next I got a piece of mesh tape. Like the name says, it's tape that looks like a small mesh.
I glued 2 pieces under the plastic case, so that the filter would not fall through.
I cut 2 pieces of filter, and dropped them in there.
If you use this method, you need to get filters w/ wire frames.

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=40815&highlight=cabin+filter

i just refound this... it is on the same line as you have done..

great job..

beers :beer:

how do u know if the filter is bad?

Actually, it doesn't really go bad, it just get's so clogged with dirt/junk that it's not as affective.
The instructions early on in the thread are great for removing it just to check it out.
It takes about 2mins to check it, and if it's not that dirty, you can wait a while longer to change it.

Also, the Aldehyde filter was supposed to be "Life Changing" and an amazing advancement in filter technology, but it was invented in 1999, and Mazda is still the only one's really using it in a everyday applications.
I'm sure there a bio-labs using this stuff, but it didn't take off like they expected it to.
A quick google search shows either links to Mazda forums or labs.
When it was invented, they thought it would become the standard by which all filters are measured, but it didn't turn out that way.

I'd be really curious to see the difference in 2 vehicles, one w/ and one w/o the Aldehyde filter.
I always run my air on recirculate, so I wouldn't notice much of a difference.

is there a way you can j ust wash the filter or do you HAVE to just get a replacement???


thanks

is there a way you can j ust wash the filter or do you HAVE to just get a replacement???


thanksThe filter gets nasty.
I think you could take it out and used some compressed air to help a little, but I'm pretty sure you wouldn't want to wet it.

Also, the Aldehyde is the expensive one. I think there are cheaper replacements.
Honestly, you can make one as described, it's not very difficult.
(or pay me to do it. :) )

the Aldehyde didnt make a difference for me. i will make my own. i have asthma and the filter didnt work. this is basised on running the filter vs running the air

i have been trying different filter material and did have a problem using the stock filter frame. but the aldehyde frame has a lip in the bottom that will hold reusable filter material so no need for tape or mesh. i will try the filtrtee as cesaralaniz has as soon as i get some tin snips. i live in OK and the dust is real bad here. due to the asthma it a big deal for me. any help with filter material would be appreciated

Just called my local dealership and they wanted (get ready for this) $132 for the replacement cabin air filters!! I'm beginning to think they have some guy randomly making up prices and they take bets as to whether customers will fall for it and buy their parts.

Just called my local dealership and they wanted (get ready for this) $132 for the replacement cabin air filters!! I'm beginning to think they have some guy randomly making up prices and they take bets as to whether customers will fall for it and buy their parts.

Considering the Aldehyde filters retail from Mazda for $55 (http://www.mazdastuff.com/product.cfm?ProductID=1471) $132 for the stock filters is realy pushing it. Sounds like a $100+ profit, unless they do the install too, then its only $75+ profit.

Thanks for this wonderful and very important thread! It prompted me to check out my cabin air filter and here's what I found! The set on the left are the old ones and the new set of Mazda OEMs are on the right. The old set were really disgusting to say the least, especially for a dealer serviced RX-8 since 2003! So, here's a reminder to check your cabin filters! It's so easy to change it yourself.

mine arrived yesterday...I'll be installing soon.

yo! thanks for the steps!!! i followed your instructions and it probably took less than 10 mins...and that's with going back upstairs to my pc to check your instructions since i couldn't print them out and bring it to the garage...

and to think the dealership was going to charge me $150 to change it...that means it would've been $50 for the filer, and $100 for the labor, for less than 10 mins of work?!?!?

I have bad allergies & got the Aldehyde one for $55 @ the dealership. I don't know how effective it will be but, it is much thicker than the stock one. When i pulled the stock filter out, OMG!! it was so caked with dust, debris.... even full sized leaves! Previous owner obviously never changed these filters out.

Next time, I'll make my own using a 3M A/C filter like the one I use for my home... that thing only cost $12 bucks and I imagine I could make about 8 filters with it and change it out more often If I need to. That's at least $200 savings!

BTW, anyone attempting to DIY, be careful with that filter cover, I broke one of the clips (on the right side of the cover) while trying to pry it out.

OH yeah, and Dealership Service & Parts = Robbers and Rapists... empty your pockets, and just bend over.

Had to give this a slight bump. I just replaced the Stock Filter with the Aldehyde Filter and omg my stock filter was DIRTY! Full sized small leaves and enough dust to cause me to go into a sneezing fit (thank you allergies!). This could explain why on some long trips (re: +1hr) I'd get a bit groggy on the sick side. Should of known really since this car was supposedly "Mazda Pre-Certified" back when I bought it they never checked or replaced it.

Now to re-read through this thread to see how long this filter last's.

is there a way you can j ust wash the filter or do you HAVE to just get a replacement???


thanks

Just cleaned mine . As everyone has said - it was caked with crap .
I just got a vacuum cleaner & attached a brush fitting to the nozzle & managed to get it pretty good making sure I was always sucking from the dirty side .
Still is black (vs the nice white new ones) but i'm pretty sure it will be good enough for another couple of years.

hey good job man very good instructions

Decided to replace mine on the advice of the dealer mechanic. The old set wasn't all that dirty after 19K miles but put the new ones in and also cleaned the old. The webbing isn't all that thick so they cleaned up pretty well with only a hint of grey color left.
I did manage to break one of the right tabs off the filter box cover. It seems to still hook on pretty well. Should I be looking for a replacement cover or do you think I'll be OK with this setup?

Thanks Sl01. I pass a paper factory on my way home and a quarry. One of them has a sulfur smell to it, so I was planning on getting one of these filters. I had no idea how effective they were (or where they were located). I just checked the filters on my '05. BLACK...VERY BLACK! with plenty of gunk in between. I just ordered the aldehyde filter. Thanks for your pics.

I never smoked in my car (I quit in January after 20 years - Thank you Chantex!) but I can smell a minor smoke odor when the heater is on. I can only assume some of the smoke scent came off of me and got trapped in the filter. When I pulled it to check it, it had a "musky" scent to it. Hopefully changing the filter will help this.

I only want to smell liquid leather from Zaino Bros!. :-)

Thanks again for taking the time to shoot the pics. Major help for many of us who didn't bother to check our filters.

nice write up....was very simple

Heres my cabin filter....I dont think it was ever replaced, and im @ 61K miles

whoa! 61K miles!?!?!?!?!

mine starts to smell around 15 K miles ... how did ya manage to go that far ?

I checked mine today and it was pretty bad ... I will order a new one soon ... in the mean time when I took it out, it was jammed with leaves and rocks and dust and hair and ... ewww .... I shake it off a little whoa those dust blew out like crazy almost choked me to death ... sheesh ....

I replaced my 8's and my daughter's 6's early last month. If not replacing, I'll now be at least checking them each Spring as mice had made nests on the exterior sides in both vehicles!

how often are people replacing the Aldehyde filters?

once a year.. it's cheap and easy to do. Kinda like you Jorge

In all seriousness I figure 50 bucks once a year to keep the air in the cabin a little cleaner is a pretty cheap price to pay.

It's recommended to change the standard filter every 15k miles. I would think the aldehyde would fall under the same recommendation. There's someone here that's said the aldehyde is good for something like 40k miles but I haven't been able to confirm that anywhere. Unfortunately, the box the aldehyde comes in doesn't specify when to change it.

Wow I did not realise these filters got so dirty..

I don't think the previous owner of my 2005 RX-8 changed the stock cabin filter which is great because it made switching it out for the Aldehyde Filter that much more rewarding. :)

146667 146668 (Yummy dirt, leaves and bugs. Everything you need for a proper garden.)

Thank you very much for the easy to follow instructions.

I don't think the previous owner of my 2005 RX-8 changed the stock cabin filter which is great because it made switching it out for the Aldehyde Filter that much more rewarding. :)

146667 146668 (Yummy dirt, leaves and bugs. Everything you need for a proper garden.)

Thank you very much for the easy to follow instructions.

Yeah mine used to look almost like that as well. When I made the aldehyde filter, I was amazed as well how much of an improvement it was! :)