mlacomb

All:

Performed my first oil and filter change and air filter change today, 46k miles. Some notes:

When replacing the air filter, the filter goes in one way. In addition, it is MUCH EASIER to visualize if you disconnect the intake to the engine (requires loosening a clamp and removing the electrical connector to the sensor on top of the airbox.) Then after releasing the air box clamps, push the top housing down and towards the passenger seat - there are two clips in the back that engage with tension only. Take a flashlight and move the top of the box around - you'll see them. After doing this and popping the full top off, I realized how to put the new filter in. I had taken the old filter out and hadn't positioned the new one properly (was upside down) and it would NOT fit lol.

Also - when changing the oil (used Valvoline 5w30 full synth and a wix filter) I attempted to take out the oil drain valve. Well, this resulted in the entire filter body coming off the car. Honestly, even though it results in some oil all over the place (have a pan underneath!) I think this is simpler than the 3 step process I would have used had I actually gotten the drain portion of the filter out. At that point I didn't need to replace the filter drain gasket; just the main gasket around the filter housing (and the filter too!)

All in all, I'll be much quicker next time. You don't need to remove any of the lower air dam housing at all to get to any of this - and on the top, to change the filter, you just have to remove the plastics on the right hand side. Of course, I removed ALL the plastics on the top of the engine and used this as an opportunity to clean them up.

All in all, I spent $91 on Valvoline full synth + wix oil filter + wix air filter. I got 2x5.1 quart jugs - was cheaper in bulk (around 30$ for each.) Was looking to get a cabin filter, but O'Reileys didn't have the charcoal filter in stock at the time; I'll see what other avenues I have for that.

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

I never use the cannister drain area when doing a oil change.I know a few mechanics who do the same thing.Quicker changes.
A bit messier but worth it to me.

RickC5

Yep, much easier the second time. I do not bother with that bothersome drain on the filter housing--not needed IMHO. Walmart sells cabin filters for the ES.

mlacomb

O'Reiley's sells the cabin air filters too; unfortunately they didn't have any of the charcoal based filters available (would have to special order without stock) so I declined for now and am shopping around to see what's there. Any one have a good recommendation over the stock?

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

I haven't tried these but probably will.$3 rebate.
Have to spend at least $25 to get free shipping.

AgentRS

thanks for the post...i'm going to change my air filter next week...my '08 es350 just hit 47k miles

as far as the cabin filter goes, what's the benefit of changing the cabin filter? is that something i should be doing too?

RickC5

All the outside air that is drawn into your car (for heating, AC & ventilation) is drawn through the cabin filter, which removes particulate matter and even filters out pollen for those folks with allergies. Consequently, the cabin filter (much like the furnace filter in your house if you have forced air) traps like of gunk & junk. Lots of dirt, leaves, dead bugs, etc. get trapped in it.

Here in Colorado I change our cabin filters annually due to the fairly large amount of dust that gets trapped in ours. A plus is that the air in the car smells better with a new filter, plus there's less strain on the blower motor.

AgentRS

Cool...thanks for the info!

Sounds like I will be changing my 4 year old one for sure!