How To: Replace your Air Filter on a 1.8T

[hcsberlin]

Today 'The Berlin Banger' received a new set of lungs. I decided I wanted to replace the stock air filter with a K&N air filter. For those who are unfamiliar with these filters, they basically let in more air and and never have to be replaced. You can wash them and oil them and re-use them yourself (every 50,000 miles).

I decided to make a DIY post with photos, for the community although most of you probably have replaced an air filter before.

This DIY is on a 2001 1.8T GLX, the only tool I needed was a Philips head screwdriver.

So here it goes.

1. Locate the air box in your engine bay



2. Unscrew the two screws in the back.



3. Detach the hose circled in red (mine just pulled off) For easier maneuverability of the air box you can also detach the attached hose circled in Yellow. I chose not to, which made everything a bit harder.



4. There is the air filter.



5. I just pulled it out.



6. Here is the K&N filter with part number



7. I'm about slide the new filter into the box. It'll be laying in the bottom part of the air box.



8. Make sure that the filter hugs the air box tightly so that no air can get around it.



9. Before screwing in the screws on the back 'hinge the box back into place. This was hard for me since I didn't detach the hose circled in yellow in Step 3. Eventually it popped in.



10. And finally after tightening the screws in the back of the Air box and re-attaching any hoses you might have removed, complete this little project with the K&N filter sticker that will tell anyone performing maintenance on your car not to remove your air filter and replace it with a cheap paper version. Remember the K&N filters have a lifetime warranty and therefor don't need to be replaced.

[DZLBUG]

"Cold-air intakes" and "high-flow air filter" FAQ - TDIClub Forums

[marvins_dad]

Thanks for the DIY.
I'll let it stick for a while then move it to the How-To forum.

[hcsberlin]

Originally Posted by marvins_dad

Thanks for the DIY.
I'll let it stick for a while then move it to the How-To forum.

Sweet,
I guess I should have put it in the How-To forum to begin with.
Next time.

[hcsberlin]

Originally Posted by DZLBUG

"Cold-air intakes" and "high-flow air filter" FAQ - TDIClub Forums

...and just to mention, I never said in my DIY that K&N filters increase horse power. It's just nice not to have to replace them like paper filters.

[DZLBUG]

Originally Posted by hcsberlin

...and just to mention, I never said in my DIY that K&N filters increase horse power. It's just nice not to have to replace them like paper filters.

My concern isn't even with the false power claims...its with the horrible filtration. Oil analysis on K&N equipped cars consistently have high silica readings. Silica = sand/dirt. It wrecks the MAF, it wrecks the turbo and its hard on the engine.

Stock filter change interval can often be 40k miles. I'd rather throw a cheap and effective filter in there every 40k than deal with the hassle of cleaning and re-oiling the K&N and paying through the nose for their recharge kits.

Besides, seeing sunlight through your air filter is not a good thing:

[hcsberlin]

Originally Posted by DZLBUG

My concern isn't even with the false power claims...its with the horrible filtration. Oil analysis on K&N equipped cars consistently have high silica readings. Silica = sand/dirt. It wrecks the MAF, it wrecks the turbo and its hard on the engine.

Stock filter change interval can often be 40k miles. I'd rather throw a cheap and effective filter in there every 40k than deal with the hassle of cleaning and re-oiling the K&N and paying through the nose for their recharge kits.

Besides, seeing sunlight through your air filter is not a good thing:

Ah, gotcha

Well I hope that this guide will still help someone change their air filter no matter which kind they choose.

[FootScoot]

I have one of the K&N filters in my Beetle. It came with a tube of filter sealing grease that you run around the groove on top it. I didn't see any on yours so I was just curious as to whether you used it or not?

[lil.smartie]

I like itg foam filters, they clog a lot less than the K&N's and have better filtration too.

Will have one for Cookie next week

Kate

[hcsberlin]

Originally Posted by FootScoot

I have one of the K&N filters in my Beetle. It came with a tube of filter sealing grease that you run around the groove on top it. I didn't see any on yours so I was just curious as to whether you used it or not?

Hey, I actually don't remember having any type of grease in my packaging specifically. Makes sense to use it though if you have it.

P.s.
This thread is from a while back. Unfortunately I'm about to sell my Newty because I'm moving back to Germany. Maybe a nice 2012 beetle awaits me over there in the future