Pollen Filter Replacement?

Justin1114 · #1 08-21-2009, 10:06 PM

Just wondering if anyone replaces their pollen filters in the cowl vent? Mine has totally disintegrated. I was thinking of just cutting an air conditioner filter to size to replace it. What do you guys think?

Thanks

NC TRACKRAT · #2 08-24-2009, 08:44 AM

You mean cutting a piece of foam to fit? I guess it would work but I get an aftermarket filter for about $12 that fits like OEM, works fine and lasts for a couple of years.

03BRG · #3 08-24-2009, 10:07 AM

They would replace them under warranty for that problem. The "new ones" do not use the foam anymore.

Capt_bj · #4 08-24-2009, 04:43 PM

presuming U R talking about the soft mesh used on the 02's .... like U mine disintigrated long ago

The new version used nothing in there but I wanted something ....

I cut a piece of stainless gutter guard material and it fit into the spot wonderfully.

Gutter Guard - 1 piece - under $4

time ..... under 10 minutes

Justin1114 · #5 08-24-2009, 07:59 PM

Thanks for the input, I may try the gutter guard material. I prefer the DIY if it looks good if not I guess I'll just buy new ones.

ron-s mini · #6 08-24-2009, 08:30 PM

Do a search -- there are some good threads on cabin filters.

Capt_bj · #7 08-25-2009, 04:58 AM

I don't believe we're talking the actual inside the cabin filter .... I know I'm not.

The plastic cowl vents in front of the windshield had a foam insert on the 02 (maybe 03 as well). It didn't hold up....but it didn't do anything either. Later years just redesigned the part w/out the foam insert & would simply give you the newer plastic part w/out the foam if you called 'em on it under warranty. I didn't futz with it 'til after that.

Not the same as the oft' discussed paper element for the cabin filter.

ernesto · #8 08-25-2009, 07:59 AM

I used window screen mesh to replace the worn out foam in my cowl vent. I used metal because that is what I had at home, but if I was to do it over again, I'd use fiberglass so there would be less sharp edges to trim and clean up.

Capt_bj · #9 08-25-2009, 03:29 PM

yep - I did the same using a tight mesh gutter guard - a little tuffer to cut if you don't have the right tool. I like how it came out - sorry car is gone and I never took a picture.

FYI anyone who likes the look - the early cowl vent could be opened up to replace that foam and allows a substitute to be inserted. The new version does not.....you can't easily add something to get the same look.

Justin1114 · #10 08-26-2009, 08:41 PM

That looks pretty nice Ernesto. I think I may try it. Thanks for the photos. The gutter guard is a good idea but I think It will be a little easier to cut the screen. Thanks for your help guys.

grc123 · #11 09-02-2009, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ernesto

I used window screen mesh to replace the worn out foam in my cowl vent. I used metal because that is what I had at home, but if I was to do it over again, I'd use fiberglass so there would be less sharp edges to trim and clean up.

Very nice pix - and I think the screen looks great (looks PRO!). Now, what sort or type of "fiberglass" were you talking about using if you had to do it again please?

Thanks in advance,
g......................

ernesto · #12 09-02-2009, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Now, what sort or type of "fiberglass" were you talking about using if you had to do it again please?

Just regular window screen material.. I had metal at home, so if was "free", fiberglass would be easier to work with.

Here is a sample from Home Depot, you can probably get a smaller size for less money.

julez · #13 11-22-2009, 07:00 PM

Sorry to bump this but I remembered this thread while working on my mini today and I did have some fiberglass screen material...

How does the vent pop out? I could feel the tabs in the back but they didn't seem to move and I didn't want to break them.

Thanks!

anitan1 · #14 11-24-2009, 05:34 AM

Ernesto,
That screen looks fantastic in there. I need to do the same thing. How do I get those cowl vents off? I tried getting them off this past weekend and couldn't figure it out/didn't want to break anything, so I left it alone. Was gonna look for tips on here (very glad I waited!).

Capt_bj · #15 11-24-2009, 05:45 AM

no special tricks ... just pull

from the front edge as I recall

100percentcotton · #16 11-24-2009, 06:47 AM

The window screen looks great. Gonna have to try this as my foam has fallen completely apart as well

anitan1 · #17 11-25-2009, 04:26 PM

I did the window screen mod this afternoon. It turned out awesome!!
It was raining today when I drove home...the car is dirty...

ernesto · #18 11-25-2009, 05:20 PM

Quote:

I did the window screen mod this afternoon. It turned out awesome!!

Looking good!!!!

anitan1 · #19 11-25-2009, 05:22 PM

Thanks Ernesto!

illegalprelude · #20 06-10-2010, 03:22 PM

So besides the Home depot trick, where else can I get these from? Dealership has them for $40 a vent. Eek. They do replace the whole unit, not just the foam but still

edgy · #21 09-06-2011, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt_bj

no special tricks ... just pull

from the front edge as I recall

Thanks - it took me longer to search for this thread than the actual replacement took. I had the fiberglass window screen material on hand. It's a much better answer than that fragile foam stuff that came with the vents.

Gracias, amigo!

Tom D · #22 09-06-2011, 06:42 PM

FWIW, I replaced mine long ago with the new version, no screen to worry about

. I have not missed the screen at all, just change the cabin air filter occasionally.

mephikristiles · #23 09-20-2011, 06:42 PM

Thanks, guys! A few bucks and a few minutes of effort--worked like a charm. Looks much nicer, now.