How often: every 12,000 mi or year, whichever comes first. A blocked filter makes diesels smoke and lose power. Dust that gets past a torn filter wears bores fast.
Air filter
Paper element
Work safely: support the vehicle on axle stands, never a jack alone; let it cool first. Check figures against your workshop manual. You do this work at your own risk.
Parts
Air filter element (Paper element)
Tools
Screwdriver
Clean rag
Step by step
Release the clips on the air cleaner housing and remove the element.
Wipe out the housing. Check the dump valve (rubber valve at the bottom of the housing) is soft and not split.
Fit the new element, making sure it seats all round. Check the intake hose and clips; a split hose lets unfiltered air in.
In dusty or wading use, inspect every 3,000 miles and after every deep wade.
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