TD4 Air Filter Problem

Hi,

Was changing my air filter today, the old one looked terrible. The new one was from Bearmach - looked identical to the original but seemed worse quality and was a tight fit.

Once fitted I couldn't get the airbox lid to go on properly and seal - one screw particularly - the one at the back near the MAF - simply woudln't go it.

Tried again with old filter - no problems. After abut 2hours of trying with the new one, i gave up and put back the old filter - anyone else had this before?

Any ideas?

Exactly the same problem I had with a Bearmach one on my TD4, I even tried to shave off some the rubbery bit on the end to see if it would fit better but no luck, in the end I gave up as well, cleaned the old filter up with the airline and re-fitted it.

I will get a Land Rover one next time, sometimes pattern parts are not worth the hassle.

same here, bought one of ebay. they sent a replacement and it went in first time. filter had not been formed correctly and was basically too long

thanks, nice to know it's not just me...

...will take it back to the place i got it and see what they say

I have an after market one - it is tight and needs a fair bit of juggling but it does seat eventually - try a smear of silicone on the rubber

Quote: - one screw particularly - the one at the back near the MAF - simply woudln't go it.
This problem is caused by the mis-engagement of the sealing fins between the cover and the body at the left end (looking from the front) of the assembly.
When refitting the cover dont drop it on the front screws first. Keep the cover high at the front so that you can see the fins. Ensure that the outer fins on the cover engage either side of the one on the body, maintain forward pressure on the cover and slide it down into position. Works every time for me.

Thanks for the advice - To be honest i've never had a problem aligning it before with any other filter, but ill give it another go later today.

It seems i can't align the sealing fins at the back because the filter is larger / getting in the way...i'll see if i'm wiser / better today

Used both Britpart & Bearmach filters without problems.
Fitting the cover can be awkward to the unknowing but as you have done it before and are aware of this it is clearly not your problem?

yeah i've done it a few times for myself and a couple for others - never had any problems.

even now, i can get the original Land Rover filter i put in last in no problem and have it seated in a few seconds at first try.

Haven't had a chance to go and try again today, but will do tomorrow before i go back to the parts shop.

When I put the cover on my airfilter I do it the way vic.middleton says but at the same time I feel with my left hand (approchaing the "beast" from over the right hand bumper and enough space to put your hand/arm behind the engine to feel) where the fins are and guide them into position, works well that way for me.

DefUnct said:

yeah i've done it a few times for myself and a couple for others - never had any problems.

even now, i can get the original Land Rover filter i put in last in no problem and have it seated in a few seconds at first try.

Haven't had a chance to go and try again today, but will do tomorrow before i go back to the parts shop.

Click to expand...

Again same with me, I could re-fit the air filter cover easily when using the original Landrover filter, just the other one caused a problem

ok this sounds silly ,can someone tell me where the the air filter is on my td4 03 plate freelander . i had a poke under the bonnet but nothing looked obvious ,,pretty embarrassing really

kalahari said:

ok this sounds silly ,can someone tell me where the the air filter is on my td4 03 plate freelander . i had a poke under the bonnet but nothing looked obvious ,,pretty embarrassing really

Click to expand...

It is clearly shown in the servicing section of the Haynes manual (what do you mean you haven't got one?).

At the top of the engine at the rear, under a plastic cover.

hiya yeah i feel really silly i actually went and had another look after i posted this and worked it out . this is my first freelander , recently got rid of very old and stupidly reliable disco 300tdi disco ,,,thanks for your help ,,cheers

FYI - in the end after much trying, i gave up and got a MANN filter - what a difference in quality! It fit as easily as the original and when comparing the original with the MANN and Bearmach ones, the MANN and Original are identical and the Bearmach was a bit larger in several places. Maybe i just had a duff unit, but i'll stick to MANN from now on.

I had exactly the same problem some time ago - sweated blood thinking it was my clumsyness that prevented the cover fitting properly.

I only use MANN or Mahle filters now as I consider the quality control on some other brands to be inconsistent.