Changing the air filter in your car is routine maintenance, and it should improve the flow of clean air into the engine. But sometimes, you start getting weird noises from the car after changing the air filter. Why does it happen?
If you hear noise after changing air filter, it can happen due to the following reasons.
- Wrong air filter installation
- The air filter is misaligned
- Your car has aftermarket modifications
- The air intake is restricted partially
- There are foreign objects inside the system
- The filter housing seals are worn or damaged
- The air ducts are damaged
These reasons create various noises in the car. I will show you how to solve these problems in simple steps. Read till the end.
Table of Contents
Noise After Changing Air Filter: Quick Solutions
If you want the solutions right away, here is a quick fix chart.
Reasons | Fixes |
---|---|
Wrong or defective air filter installation | Check the size and type of the filter and replace it |
The air filter is misaligned | Realign the filter in the housing |
Your car has aftermarket modifications | Choose air filters that match the modifications |
The air intake is restricted partially | Clean the air intake with compressed air |
There are foreign objects inside the system | Remove the foreign objects |
The filter housing seals are worn or damaged | Replace the seals |
The air ducts are damaged | Replace the damaged ducts |
Noise After Changing Air Filter: Step-by-Step Solutions
Let’s now move on to the detailed reasons and their solutions.
1. Wrong or Defective Air Filter Installation
You may have installed an air filter that doesn’t meet the size or type specifications of your car. In that case, the airflow pattern will be unusual. The filter you have installed can also be defective. You will notice the following symptoms.
- Whistling Noise: High-pitched whistling noises will come from the engine bay due to an incorrect air filter.
- Increased Noise with Revving: As you press the gas pedal, the noise will increase.
Solutions
Check the owner’s manual of the car to find the right type and size of the air filter. Then, remove the faulty air filter and install the right one.
2. The Air Filter Is Misaligned
When installing the air filter, you should ensure the filter is properly aligned to the housing. If there is a gap between the air filter and the housing, you will hear noises from the engine.
- Whistling or Whining Noise: Low-pitched whining or high-pitched whistling noises can appear, depending on filter conditions.
- Rattling Noise at Idle: The vibration from the engine can cause the misaligned filter to rattle. But if you hear engine grinding noise at idle, it can be a different reason. Faulty bearings can cause this noise.
Solutions
Remove the air filter from the housing and reset it so that there is no gap between the filter and the housing.
3. Your Car Has Aftermarket Modifications
Car enthusiasts tend to install aftermarket air intakes to improve the engine performance of the car. But when the air filter doesn’t match the specifications of the modified system, you may hear various noises from the engine.
- Trembling Noise: Continuous trembling will come from the front end of the car, especially when at low speeds.
- Rattling Noise: Ill-fitted components will create a rattling noise.
Solutions
You have two options. The first one is choosing an air filter that goes with the modifications.
Otherwise, you need to get rid of the modifications so that OEM air filters fit into it.
4. The Air Intake Is Restricted Partially
If it has been some time after you have changed the air filter, clogs may develop inside the air intake. It changes the airflow pattern, which results in various noises.
- Whistling or Swooshing Noise: You may hear swooshing noises like a jet flying by very close. The changed direction of airflow can also make whistling noises.
- Poor Engine Performance: Due to the restricted airflow, the engine won’t get enough air to deliver its full performance.
Solutions
Remove the air filter from the housing. Use compressed air to remove any clogs from the air intake.
5. There Are Foreign Objects Inside the System
Foreign objects like leaves or twigs can enter the air intake while replacing the air filter. The airflow pattern will be changed due to the debris. Check for these symptoms.
- Unusual Flapping Noise: Moving debris inside the air intake can cause weird flapping noises. Whistling or swooshing noises can also appear.
- Whining Noise: Due to the debris, the car makes a whining noise when starting cold.
Solutions
1. Remove the air filter and check the air intake thoroughly.
2. Use needle-nose pliers to remove any debris from the air intake. I suggest using the BOOSDEN pliers. Then, install the air filter again.
6. The Filter Housing Seals Are Worn or Damaged
Rubber seals around the filter housing deteriorate over time. If you don’t pay attention to the seals while changing the filter, chances are the seals will be damaged. Regular wear of the seals can also cause weird noises from the engine.
- Rattling Noise: The broken seal will alter the course of airflow and may hit the surrounding parts. As a result, you will hear rattling noises from the filter housing area.
Solutions
1. Check the condition of the filter housing seal. If it is worn or cracked, remove the air filter first.
2. Then, remove the seal completely. Use a new seal to secure the housing. Finally, install the air filter.
7. The Air Ducts Are Damaged
Air ducts connect the filter housing to the throttle body. Due to the contaminants from the air or heat from the engine, these air ducts may deteriorate over time. Look out for the following symptoms.
- Whistling or Vibrating Noise: Damaged air ducts will cause whistling or vibrating noise.
- Poor Engine Performance: If the air duct is damaged, the lack of clean airflow will hinder the performance of the engine.
Solutions
1. Remove the air ducts from the air filter housing. Check the ducts thoroughly for signs of wear or damage.
2. Replace the air ducts if necessary. The connection between the filter housing and the throttle body should be airtight.
People Also Ask
I answered some commonly asked questions about the noise after changing air filter. Check them out.
Can changing the air filter cause cabin noise?
If you have installed the wrong cabin air filter, you may end up with increased cabin noise. Defective filters can also create the noise.
Why Do I get air filter noise when accelerating?
It indicates you have installed the incorrect air filter. As you accelerate, more air passes through the filter, and the noise increases.
Can I drive a car with an air filter whistle noise?
You can, but I suggest not to. While it isn’t a risky thing to do, you should immediately check what is causing the whistling noise.
Conclusion
Air filters are seemingly simple and inexpensive parts, but they help your car breathe. After you change the dirty or broken air filter to improve the performance, new problems can occur. You may hear a noise after changing air filter.
I listed the reasons for this problem and mentioned effective solutions. Try these solutions to eliminate unusual noise after changing the air filter in your car. Also, routine checking and maintenance of the components mentioned here can help you avoid the noise in the first place.
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