What is the air filter for? (VW Golf 3)

The air sucked in by the engine contains dust and dirt particles that should not get into the combustion chamber, as they act on the cylinder walls like sandpaper. This leads to premature wear of the pistons and cylinder surfaces. In addition, some of the dust burns in the engine at high temperatures and settles on the combustion chamber walls and valves. "Stuck" valves and jammed pistons can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, the air filter takes care of the necessary protection of the engine. At the same time, it muffles the noise of the suction.

Removal the air filter element

Remove the air hose from the filter housing to the turbocharger (if any).



Loosen the spring clips (arrows) on the air filter cover (2).

Remove the filter element (1) and the air filter cover.

When installing the paper filter, the filter plates should be facing downwards.

Removal the filter housing

Remove the air filter element.

Remove the filter housing retaining ring. Pull the housing off both rubber holders and remove it.

Blowing out the filter element

The filter element made of special paper should be cleaned at least once a year, but if you often drive on country roads, it is recommended to do this after a run of 5,000 km.



Remove the paper filter element.

Tap the filter on a hard surface to dislodge large dirt particles.

Fine dust should be blown out with compressed air.

The air stream should be directed from the side onto the filter plates, not from the outside inwards, otherwise the dust will be pressed even more deeply into the filter pores.

Never attempt to wash the filter paper in liquid. This will cause the filter pores to become clogged.

Wipe off traces of oil in the filter housing from the crankcase ventilation system with a rag soaked in gasoline.

Changing the filter element

Due to a dirty filter element, the engine does not receive the required amount of intake air. The soot content in the exhaust gases increases and the power drops. Therefore, it is necessary to replace the filter in a timely manner. The brand element number for both engines is the same: 1 HO 129620.