Replacement air filter for Subaru Forester

[Michael Pender]

I have a 2003. Took mine out to check for obstruction, and I found quite a bit of dirt and a few leave fragments. Couldn't find one at local stores, and didn't feel like running out to dealership... so.. Rather than buy a new one, I vacuumed both sides, ran hot water through element (with a bit of OxyClean for good measure!). Seemed find structurally.. and good as new...so just put it back in. Sticky stuff? Maybe I should have sprayed it with Endust?? Plan on checking again next year.

I have a 2003 also but I wanted better air filtration than the standard filters because of the air quality here in the Washington D.C. Metro area.

Anyhow, I made my own three-phase electrostatic filter from scratch. Its not hard to do and it works *really* well--maybe too well; it actually took out the "new car" smell.

As a side benefit, the electrostatic filter is a 'permanent' filter -- it is
*designed* to be rinsed and reused. That is, a person only buys one per car, ever.

If there is any interest I could post construction plans.

- Mike

 

[Edward Hayes]

I too want to see the plans: My 2000 forester filter went to the garbage at 15,000 miles. Factory replacement was about 40 dollars so I used a hi-grade house filter cut to best-fit? Your idea seems great. My forester OEM filter could not be washed as it would completely clog so I could only blow it out with my air compressor at ~ 100 psig. Eddie

 

[Michael Pender]

I have a 2003 also but I wanted better air filtration than the standard filters because of the air quality here in the Washington D.C. Metro area.

Anyhow, I made my own three-phase electrostatic filter from scratch. Its not hard to do and it works *really* well--maybe too well; it actually took out the "new car" smell.

As a side benefit, the electrostatic filter is a 'permanent' filter -- it is
*designed* to be rinsed and reused. That is, a person only buys one per car, ever.

If there is any interest I could post construction plans.

I'm not really ready to post the plans yet--its going to take a while to write it up in detail. However, I am willing to make a few more filters for people. I'll need the dimensions of the cabin air filter in your car unless its also a 2003 Subaru Forester. Also, please send me a picture of your old filter if you can.

- Mike

 

[Michael Smith]

But what kind of price are you talking?

on a 2003 Forster that is.

Mike

 

[Michael Pender]

But what kind of price are you talking?

on a 2003 Forster that is.

Mike

Materials to make the prototype cost approximately $35 in parts; it would be cheaper to make more than one at a time because much of the material otherwise goes to waste.

I've actually recieved a *lot* of requests already, and I'm not sure I want to get into the business of making filters for people. Instead I will probably offer detailed plans for sale via the web. Then people could download the plans and make their own filters.

I may reconsider selling the filters if I can find a commercial supplier willing to assemble and ship the filters.

- Mike

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Kits/plans may be just as good. Also , if making these, or even assembling /packaging kits, is not too tricky, there are often Lighthouse for the Blind and other organizations that are despaerate for work which can be done by disabled/challenged individuals. A guy I work with had some small items packaged by a group like that. fyi Carl 1 Lucky Texan