How to replace the air pump filter
Auto repair

How to replace the air pump filter

08.11.2022 /

Air pump filters can fail when the engine is running rough and sluggish. Decreased fuel consumption can also indicate a bad filter.

The air injection system introduces oxygen into the exhaust gases to reduce emissions. The system consists of a pump (electric or belt driven), a pump filter and valves. The intake air enters the pump through a centrifugal filter located behind the drive pulley. When the engine is cold, the powertrain control module (PCM) operates the changeover valve to direct pressurized air to the exhaust manifolds. After the engine has warmed up to operating temperature, it vents air to the catalytic converter.

Your air pump filter can fail when the engine is running sluggish and there is a noticeable drop in performance. You may also notice lower fuel economy and rougher idling overall as the air pump filter cannot properly supply air to the engine. If these symptoms occur, a new air pump filter may be required.

Part 1 of 2: Removing the old filter

Necessary materials

  • Needle nose pliers
  • Protective gloves
  • ratchet
  • Repair manuals
  • Safety glasses

  • wrench

  • Attention: Be sure to wear safety goggles and protective gloves to avoid injury during the replacement process.

Step 1: Loosen the air pump pulley.. Loosen the smoke pump pulley bolts with a socket or wrench.

Step 2: Remove the Serpentine Belt. Make sure you have a belt routing diagram under the hood of your car, or take a photo of the belt with your phone before removing it.

This way you will know how to reinstall the belt. Remove the V-ribbed belt by inserting the ratchet end into the square slot on the tensioner or by placing the socket on the head of the pulley bolt. Move the tensioner away from the belt and remove the belt from the pulleys.

  • Attention: Some vehicles use a V-belt instead of a V-ribbed belt. With this setup, you will need to loosen the pump mounting bolts and the adjustment bracket. Then move the pump inward until the belt can be removed.

Step 3: Remove the air pump pulley.. Completely unscrew the pulley mounting bolts and remove the pump pulley from the mounting shaft.

Step 4 Remove the air pump filter.. Remove the air pump filter by grasping it with needle nose pliers.

Do not pry it from behind as this may damage the pump.

Part 2 of 2: Install the new filter

Necessary materials

  • Needle nose pliers
  • ratchet
  • Repair manuals
  • wrench

Step 1 Install a new air pump filter.. Place the new pump filter on the pump shaft in the reverse order of how you removed it.

Reinstall the pump pulley and tighten the bolts evenly to properly install the filter.

Step 2 Install the V-ribbed belt in place.. Reinstall the coil by moving the tensioner so that the belt can be put back on.

Once the belt is in place, release the tensioner. Double check the belt routing according to the diagram obtained in the first step.

  • Attention: If you have a car with a V-belt, move the pump inward so that the belt can be installed. Then tighten the pump mounting bolts and adjusting bracket.

Step 3: Tighten the pump pulley bolts.. After installing the belt, fully tighten the pump pulley bolts.

You now have a new, properly functioning air pump filter that will greatly improve the performance of your engine. If it seems to you that it is better to entrust this work to professionals, contact one of the certified AvtoTachki specialists who can come to your home or work and perform a replacement.

Add a comment