best way to clean CAI?

[nbarsotti]

Hello,
I am the second owner of 2007 with a Mazdaspeed cold air intake. The CAI was already installed when I bought the car. Can someone please tell me the best way to access the filter to check it or clean it? Thank you.

 

[eg6motion]

Hello,
I am the second owner of 2007 with a Mazdaspeed cold air intake. The CAI was already installed when I bought the car. Can someone please tell me the best way to access the filter to check it or clean it? Thank you.

The bumper needs to be removed to clean it. Once removed, follow the instructions here, DO NOT use oil.


http://www.aempower.com/cleaning.aspx

 

[VermZ06]

I cleaned mine last summer and didn't have to remove the bumper. Just get under the car as if you were changing the oil. I recommend doing this and oil at the same time to kill two birds with one stone. Once you get the plastic shield removed you should have enough room to undo the clamp that holds the filter to the rest of the intake and jiggle it out of there. The pain in the ass is the metal shield on the intake (closest to the wheel). I remember it being adjustable by hand, so just make sure it's in the same place as it was before the filter was removed because the last thing you want is water hitting it through the wheel well. To my surprise the filter was not very dirty at all and I probably could have gone another year until I had to have it cleaned. Good Luck!

 

[eg6motion]

I cleaned mine last summer and didn't have to remove the bumper. Just get under the car as if you were changing the oil. I recommend doing this and oil at the same time to kill two birds with one stone. Once you get the plastic shield removed you should have enough room to undo the clamp that holds the filter to the rest of the intake and giggle it out of there. The pain in the ass is the metal shield on the intake (closest to the wheel). I remember it being adjustable by hand, so just make sure it's in the same place as it was before the filter was removed because the last thing you want is water hitting it through the wheel well. To my surprise the filter was not very dirty at all and I probably could have gone another year until I had to have it cleaned. Good Luck!

True, you can get to it from underneath. The shield prevents easy access through the wheel-well but if you are changing your own oil then it wouldn't be difficult as you would have the splash shield off. Mine was very clean too, that shield blocks a lot, I also have an Injen hydroshield over my filter which really helps too. The dry-filters are similar to stock filters and work quite well with FAR less maintenance than oil-filters.

 

[ericrapp]

I am waaay over due and finally got my replacement filter this winter. But i have had the inner fender off previously to see what is what a couple times. i think that is the easiest access. Do you have the air straightener? If you have a 2007 like me you will want one of these for sure. it is an easy install and fixes the maf issues from turbulence. your car will run better. good luck. let us know if you need more help!

 

[dectk06]

No need to remove bumper as stated by other members.

Use a cleaning solution and soak the filter in the soln for a bit.

Then let the filter dry and put the filter back on.

;D