Air filter box: role, service and cost

The air filter housing is an essential element to ensure proper air intake as well as good filtration. As the name suggests, it contains your car's air filter and accompanies it to carry out all of its functions. In this article, you can learn everything you need to know about the air filter housing: its role, its wear symptoms and the cost of replacing it in the garage.

💨 What is the role of the air filter housing?

The air filter housing is located under your hood next to the engine block. Thus, it takes the form of a medium-sized black plastic square device. It can be fixed on the machine in different ways, either with a screw system or with glue... It is divided into two separate spaces: supply chamber and drainage chamber.

The supply chamber corresponds to the open part through which air is taken from outside. The second chamber is located after the air filter and collects the filtered air before it is sent through tolerance pipes air... Depending on the models and brands of cars, there may be several plenums inside the air filter housing.

Its role is important for protect air filter but it also has three different functions:

1. Supply filtered air to the engine : It allows contaminants such as suspended dust, insects and residues of various sizes to be trapped before the air passes through a special filter. Thus, with the help of an air filter, it allows you to supply clean and completely filtered air to the engine;
2. Direct the air flow : The air flow to the engine will be regulated. Indeed, the amount must be sufficient to ensure good combustion of the fuel, regardless of the engine speed you are at while driving;
3. Collect fuel drains : After combustion has taken place, it will collect engine emissions in the form of steam, condensate or even small amounts of fuel that would not have been burned in the combustion chamber.

⚠️ What are the symptoms of HS air filter housing?

When there is a problem with the air intake in the engine, it often turns out that it is an air filter. Indeed, it can get dirty rather quickly and needs to be replaced every 20 kilometer... However, the malfunction can also be related to the air filter housing, which is HS.

To analyze the exact cause of the malfunction, it will be necessary to observe your case and the manifestations of your car. When the air filter housing is in the HS position, you will notice the following symptoms:

• Leakage in the case : The air filter housing must be completely sealed to ensure good air flow. If this indicates a leak, there is no doubt about it, it must be replaced as soon as possible;
• Division of the case : The case may come off or the fixing screws may come loose. In this case, you will have to clean the inside of the box and, if possible, repair its container;
• Poor engine performance : it will become more difficult for the engine to climb at high speed because the quantity and quality of air entering the engine is not optimal;
• Excessive fuel consumption : When combustion is incomplete due to lack of air, the vehicle compensates by sending more fuel. Thus, you will see that the consumption of gasoline or diesel fuel will increase significantly.

💰 How much does it cost to replace the air filter housing?

The cost of replacing the air filter housing is quite variable. Typically, a new part is sold between 50 € and 100 € by brands and models. To find a box that is compatible with your car, you can refer to service book Use the license plate or its model, make and year.

The cost of labor must also be added to the price of the case. On average, this intervention requires 1 hour of operation and the air filter is likely to be replaced at the same time. Thus, the overall score will be between 90 € and 220 €taking into account the price of a new air filter.

Unlike an air filter, an air filter housing is relatively unknown to motorists, but it is nonetheless important to your vehicle and, in particular, to its engine. If you think it's broken, make an appointment at a secure garage using our online garage comparator!