Air filter — cleaning and replacement

The air sucked into the engine contains particles of dust and dirt, which should not enter the combustion chambers, as they act as an abrasive on the cylinder walls. This would cause premature wear of the pistons and working surfaces of the cylinders. In addition, part of the dust burns at high temperatures in the engine and is deposited in the combustion chamber and on the valves in the form of plaque. As a result, the operation of valves and pistons is disrupted. Therefore, the air filter creates the necessary protection for the engine. At the same time, it also dampens air intake noise.

Cleaning the air filter

We recommend blowing through the paper filter insert every 15,000 km. If the car is driven on extremely dusty roads, the filter should be cleaned daily.

Remove filter element.

Shake out the filter so that large particles of dirt fall out.

To remove fine dust, it is necessary to blow the insert with compressed air from the side, along the filter plates. Do not aim compressed air directly at the filter paper! Otherwise, dust particles adhere strongly to the pores of the filter and clog it.

Wipe the filter housing with a clean cloth.

Filter element replacement

Under normal driving conditions, it is sufficient to change the filter element every 30,000 km. If traffic is predominantly on unpaved roads, despite frequent filter cleaning, replacement should be considered sooner. In the next section, read about how to replace the filter element.

Replacing the air filter element

Turbo diesel engine remove the hose leading to the blower near the filter housing.


For all engines: Disconnect 1 tie-down straps from the air cleaner cover.

Remove the air filter cover and remove the filter element.

Filter elements

For the described suction diesel models, the following are suitable:

• VAG N 113 129 076
• Bosch 1 157 129 076
• Knecht AG 51/1
• Mann C 3171
• Purolator RM 11 19

For vehicles with a turbodiesel engine:

• VAG N 069 129 620
• Knecht AG 194
• Mann C 34 109
• Purolator PC 257

Instruction. Don't be surprised if the engine power in mountain honesty wanes a bit. This is a common phenomenon, because at an altitude of 2000 m and more above sea level, the air is very rarefied. A diesel engine, as you know, operates in the presence of excess air. Of course, the engine experiences a lack of air, and this manifests itself earlier than with a carbureted engine.

Air filter housing for intake diesel engine: 1 - air filter housing; 2 - holes for draining oil, which is sucked in through the engine crankcase ventilation system; 3 - filter element; 4 - clamps

This is what the filter housing looks like for a turbodiesel engine: 1 - filter element; 2 - upper part of the body; 3-4 - two clamps (there are four of them).