daily driver cabin air filter change - Page 2

aschen · 06-01-2016, 07:22 AM

wait didn't he do it in real time in like 12 min? it doesnt seem that bad too me. Especially considering apparently OEM subaru filters are good for 120k mile service intervals.

By most modern standards subarus are super easy to work on, at least for awd. Getting at the spark plugs is a bit of an annoyance do to the boxer motor, but yall should be used to that.

vash · vash's Garage

the subaru is easy.

i did mine in the dark with a flashlight clenched in my teeth. it wasnt difficult. not tacoma easy..but easy.

vash · vash's Garage

but..

i am a skilled weekend mechanic.

the sparkplugs in a turbo forester are insane. you have to "pirouette" the spark plug boots out of the socket.. or lift the motor..i went with the ballet move.

Paul_Heery · Paul_Heery's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeeH

Crazy is right! Is it my imagination or would it be possible to just cut an access hole in the back of the glove box?

With my 2011 Impreza it is very simple to change the filter. There are no tools required and takes less than 5 minutes. You just open the glove box, remove one fastener with your fingers, then pull out the glove box. The access door to the cabin filter is right there.

fingpilot · 09:45 AM

The Prius is the same.

Last summer, I got in the car, and the box of Kleenex was on it's side in the back seat, and small scraps of Kleenex were on the floor back there. I'm in the car daily so it happened last night. I bought a capture mouse trap, baited it with peanut butter and put it back there.

Next morning, had the culprit. Cleaned everything, and was trying to figure out how he got in. Was about to write it off to a paper grocery bag, when I opened the cabin air filter holder.

Yep, mouse-sized hole. Changed the filter, but added a wire screen-door backup inside of the paper filter holder.

No more mice.

greglepore · 06-01-2016, 10:01 AM

Dead mouse in air intake = bad.

SCadaddle · 06-01-2016, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Subaru just removed from my potential purchase list...that's crazy!

My friend that repairs BMW's for a living posted a pic and commented on social media just yesterday that in order to remove and replace the windshield washer pump on an E70 (2007-2013 X5) you must remove the front fender of the vehicle.

I'll keep my Subaru thank you.

froggert · 06-01-2016, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Subaru just removed from my potential purchase list...that's crazy!

Cabin air filters on our 2011 Outback and 2012 Legacy take less than 2 minutes to change, including emptying out the glovebox.

Scott Douglas · Scott Douglas's Garage

Thanks for posting this thread Pavulon.
I'm about to take a road trip so thought I'd go over my car.
Good thing I keep a log book as my memory is not what it used to be, that's for sure.
Found I hadn't ever changed the cabin filter, so I pulled it out to have a look. Pretty gross.
Thought I'd changed the oil last year. Nope, it was back in July of '14. Sheesh, I must really be slipping.

I'll travel a lot easier knowing this stuff is up to snuff now.

pavulon · 06-01-2016, 02:40 PM

well...this was waiting in the dash of the outback:

vash · vash's Garage

hahahah..

you win..that is thick with stuff!!

Shaun @ Tru6 · 06-01-2016, 05:22 PM

pavulon · 06-01-2016, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vash

hahahah..

you win..that is thick with stuff!!

might have won in the charlie sheen sort of way...glad it's out but still mortified.

aschen · 06-06-2016, 07:11 AM

here it is as promised original to a 2006 wrx with 120k miles................not as bad as pavulon's, but still gross

The funny thing is when I hooked everything back up, I thought I damaged the blower motor because I could not hear it anymore. It normally makes a racket. It turns out the noise was just from it working hard though the restriced filter.

RedNiner · 06-06-2016, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCadaddle

My friend that repairs BMW's for a living posted a pic and commented on social media just yesterday that in order to remove and replace the windshield washer pump on an E70 (2007-2013 X5) you must remove the front fender of the vehicle.

I'll keep my Subaru thank you.

I'm fairly certain that it is only the inner fender liner, and maybe not completely removed but unfastened at the front and bent out of the way. Not as bad as removing the front fender.