AC filter difference?
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 132
Likes: 3
From: TX
AC filter difference?
So I received my ac filter from Swell today along with the seat filters
but then I noticed this
here is the current filter on my 06 LS30 non UL
side
new filter
big difference?
the point here is that the new filter I order is by VIN # and year model. it wont fit
the old filter fits but is loose in the area where it goes so one is not thick enough and the new one is too thick.
what does your cabin filter looks like?
but then I noticed this
here is the current filter on my 06 LS30 non UL
side
new filter
big difference?
the point here is that the new filter I order is by VIN # and year model. it wont fit
the old filter fits but is loose in the area where it goes so one is not thick enough and the new one is too thick.
what does your cabin filter looks like?
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 302
Likes: 17
From: CA
not real loose. it takes some lining up. it was a little confusing as to where to direct the air flow direction. i think there's a thread that details it a bit. i think you slightly squeeze it out and squeeze it in then re adjust the filter's pleats. most difficult thing about it is the air flow orientation. it should not be "loose" should be a good fit.
From the picture, your existing cabin filters looks in good shape. I would just order off Amazon or eBay
Denso is OEM and is the best choice.
Denso is OEM and is the best choice.
Last edited by Lavrishevo; Jun 13, 2014 at 08:15 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 31
From: CA
if you ordered from sewell, you can check your order receipt. It'll show the part number you ordered. Likely you just misread a page and clicked the wrong item.
But you were not cheated.
If you want your money back you can return the part to sewell and they will take it back but you will have to pay shipping. It would be the same as if you bought an item at a store, you have to bring it back and you pay for the transport both ways, they aren't going to pick it up.
Just keep the air filter until you need to replace that later. As stated above, you can pick up some cabin air filters relatively cheap. cabin air filter is not a precision part. It's probably better to replace a cheaper filter multiple times rather then buy an expensive filter.
I picked up a few of these and they work fine.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/171237277749?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,489
Likes: 107
From: AZ
It's seems almost impossible to actually know how effective filters are so one can make comparisons. Does anyone know of actual tests that have been conducted that will provide scientific answers.
Evaluating filters by price alone seems almost riduclous. There must be a better way.
Evaluating filters by price alone seems almost riduclous. There must be a better way.
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I don't think anyone has done any scientific study comparing filters. Denso makes the OEM filter and many other components for Toyota and their quality is known. The UL rear oem filter is the only one I refuse to pay for. Such a ripoff.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is...0+cabin+filter
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is...0+cabin+filter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 31
From: CA
There are tests. but usually they are for home A/C filters with HEPA and MERV ratings. So if you are really that particular; you can buy home air filter panels and do a DIY make your own with top tier filter material that you know is rated.
If you think Toyota and Denso really is in the high end air filter business, just because it's OEM that's not true. They are not in the filter making business. They just get what's "good enough".
If you look at some of the older filters like the 2GS air filter, they are complete crap and equivalent to the lowest end air filter from home depot, yet still cost a bundle, because it's such a small niche market. (See threads on doing DIY cabin filter).
The newer filters are good enough, and if you just replace it often enough you won't notice a difference compared to buying expensive filters.
But to go to that degree of testing for a car's cabin filter is a bit ludicrous, because you are already outside, and outside air is coming in, and you're not spending hours sleeping in your car, so it doesn't matter.
If you actually suffer from allergies, and cannot take 1 breathe of outside air without breaking out, what are you doing getting in a car, you should be living in your bubble anyway.
If you think Toyota and Denso really is in the high end air filter business, just because it's OEM that's not true. They are not in the filter making business. They just get what's "good enough".
If you look at some of the older filters like the 2GS air filter, they are complete crap and equivalent to the lowest end air filter from home depot, yet still cost a bundle, because it's such a small niche market. (See threads on doing DIY cabin filter).
The newer filters are good enough, and if you just replace it often enough you won't notice a difference compared to buying expensive filters.
But to go to that degree of testing for a car's cabin filter is a bit ludicrous, because you are already outside, and outside air is coming in, and you're not spending hours sleeping in your car, so it doesn't matter.
If you actually suffer from allergies, and cannot take 1 breathe of outside air without breaking out, what are you doing getting in a car, you should be living in your bubble anyway.
Last edited by raytseng; Jun 14, 2014 at 01:18 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,761
Likes: 248
From: AZ
I would go cheap for something like a cabin air filter, but I would go with something higher quality like Denso for an engine air filter.
Every time you open your door to get in or roll down your window/sunroof, you're essentially negating any gain from an in cabin air filter. In my opinion it's more about marketing than anything, somehow cars got by fine for decades without them. Dealers also love them as they can get something like $150 for swapping them out.
I know on home AC units, most technicians recommend using the cheap "free flowing" filters in place of the expensive, hypoallergenic ones. The ones that filter out really fine particles clog very quickly and can cause issues with performance.
Every time you open your door to get in or roll down your window/sunroof, you're essentially negating any gain from an in cabin air filter. In my opinion it's more about marketing than anything, somehow cars got by fine for decades without them. Dealers also love them as they can get something like $150 for swapping them out.
I know on home AC units, most technicians recommend using the cheap "free flowing" filters in place of the expensive, hypoallergenic ones. The ones that filter out really fine particles clog very quickly and can cause issues with performance.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,489
Likes: 107
From: AZ
I think we should be somewhat particular about the cabin air filter. Does everyone know that a "Change A/C Filter" warning appears on the multi-information display when the air filter becomes clogged? This must be sensed by the pressure drop across the filter to trigger the warning. This must also be linked to the new pressure drop of the filter Lexus designed for the car. All manufacturers of cars outsource most of their parts from outside suppliers. But, they clearly define the dimensions and specifications the parts are to meet.
Consequently, a non-OEM filter might not have adequate density to perform properly and might never become plugged enough to trigger the change filter warning. Just asking, has anyone ever seen this warning in their car? I haven't, but I change the cabin air filter once every year or if I sense moldy smell.
Speaking of being particular, Lexus went to the trouble of installing a UV light in the rear A/C unit in the UL, with the intent of purifying the air! Can't believe they just ignored the front cabin filter and accepted any old thing the supplier might send them.
Consequently, a non-OEM filter might not have adequate density to perform properly and might never become plugged enough to trigger the change filter warning. Just asking, has anyone ever seen this warning in their car? I haven't, but I change the cabin air filter once every year or if I sense moldy smell.
Speaking of being particular, Lexus went to the trouble of installing a UV light in the rear A/C unit in the UL, with the intent of purifying the air! Can't believe they just ignored the front cabin filter and accepted any old thing the supplier might send them.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 372
Likes: 29
From: CT
I think we should be somewhat particular about the cabin air filter. Does everyone know that a "Change A/C Filter" warning appears on the multi-information display when the air filter becomes clogged? This must be sensed by the pressure drop across the filter to trigger the warning. This must also be linked to the new pressure drop of the filter Lexus designed for the car. All manufacturers of cars outsource most of their parts from outside suppliers. But, they clearly define the dimensions and specifications the parts are to meet.
Consequently, a non-OEM filter might not have adequate density to perform properly and might never become plugged enough to trigger the change filter warning. Just asking, has anyone ever seen this warning in their car? I haven't, but I change the cabin air filter once every year or if I sense moldy smell.
.
Consequently, a non-OEM filter might not have adequate density to perform properly and might never become plugged enough to trigger the change filter warning. Just asking, has anyone ever seen this warning in their car? I haven't, but I change the cabin air filter once every year or if I sense moldy smell.
.
You're afraid a non-OEM filter may not get plugged up enough to trigger a warning on the dash?
If it doesn't get plugged up, then it's not a problem. You could just remove it altogether if you wanted.
Putting an aftermarket filter in there is fine, it's not going to ruin your ac. Don't drink the dealer Kool-Aid.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,489
Likes: 107
From: AZ
You're way over thinking this.
You're afraid a non-OEM filter may not get plugged up enough to trigger a warning on the dash?
If it doesn't get plugged up, then it's not a problem. You could just remove it altogether if you wanted.
Putting an aftermarket filter in there is fine, it's not going to ruin your ac. Don't drink the dealer Kool-Aid.
You're afraid a non-OEM filter may not get plugged up enough to trigger a warning on the dash?
If it doesn't get plugged up, then it's not a problem. You could just remove it altogether if you wanted.
Putting an aftermarket filter in there is fine, it's not going to ruin your ac. Don't drink the dealer Kool-Aid.
You sound like you would be happy is just removing your filter and running it with no filter whatsoever. This is exactly why I think it would be nice to be able to make filter selection based on data and not opinion or advertising claims.
Running your A/C without a filter likely will not ruin your A/C, but it may damage your lungs from improperly or non- filtered air.