Air intake system removal

Air filter housing sitting on top of valve cover

Introduction

Use this guide to remove the air intake system. While the process is straightforward, take care to avoid damaging the PCV hose and vacuum line — it requires a bit of finesse.

Steps

  1. Equipment
  2. Filter housing
  3. Duct
  4. Conclusion

1. Equipment

Gather the following equipment in order to complete this guide. The links below direct you to the exact products i used.

Disclaimer: some may be affiliate links.

2. Filter housing

  1. Use a T25 torx key to loosen the screw on the left side of the filter housing, just under the PCV hose — about three-quarters of the way. If the screw is tight, you can grip the torx key with pliers for extra leverage.

    You only need to unscrew it about three-quarters of the way, and you should feel it come loose from the bracket.

    Torx 25 key being inserted into screw Torx 25 key being turned with pliers Torx 25 screw almost completely undone

  2. Next, go to the right side of the housing and carefully unclip the vacuum line from the duct clip. Gently slide it down along the right side. These lines are stiff and can snap easily, so take your time.

    Uncliping vacuum line from air intake duct Unclipped vacuum line from air intake duct

  3. Use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the clamp connecting the intercooler hose to the filter housing.

    Unscrewing intercooler pipe band clamp connected to the air filter housing

  4. Gently wiggle the hose while pulling the housing toward the back of the car. It should come loose with light pressure. Be aware—this can accidentally loosen the hose connection on the other end, so make sure it's firmly reattached during reinstallation.

    Disconnected intercooler pipe from air filter housing

  5. Hold the housing at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions, then gently pull and wiggle it upward to release it from the two rubber grommets. Let it sit loose—do not fully remove it yet, as the duct still needs to be removed.

  6. Look down the right side again and use a flathead screwdriver to pry forward through the housing cut-outs to release the duct clip.

    Pressing right side air intake clip in with a flathead screwdriver

  7. Use the flathead on the hole to the left. Keep it in place, pry to release the clip, and at the same time, use your other hand to lift the duct upwards. It can be a bit tricky since the clips are stiff and might snap back in, so take your time.

    Pressing left side air intake clip in with a flathead screwdriver Disconnecting air intake duct from air filter housing Disconnected air filter duct from air filter housing

  8. Now the filter housing should be free to lift out.

    Air filter housing sitting on top of valve cover

3. Duct

  1. Pull the duct toward the rear of the car and tilt it down to loosen it from the front vent.

    Twisting air intake duct View of the air intake duct inlet

  2. Twist the duct slightly and slide it out toward the rear of the car. Be patient, and carefully guide it out beneath the vacuum line.

    Air intake duct being pulled from the engine bay

🏁 Conclusion

Reassembly is the reverse of removal.