Mazda CX-7 Air Filter Replacement
In my previous post I had outlined my current dismay with the dealer quote for air filter replacements. We had reviewed the 5 minutes and $15 to replace the cabin air filter. The instructions I found on a Mazda forum was easy to follow with pictures and required no tools saving a cool $50+ dollars.
EBay also had the Mazda CX-7 engine air filter for the air intake. I am at about 20,000 miles so I am well overdue. I proceeded to order the filter for $10.65 buy it now and $7.65 shipping for a total of $18.30. The dealer quoted over $150 for both filters so I am assuming they were charging $75 per filter installed. Save yourself some time and over $50 back in your wallet. The air filter replacement took me approximately 10 minutes or less. It was slightly more difficult than the cabin air filter replacement since it requires a Phillips head screwdriver.
Easy Step by Step Directions for Air Filter Replacement
- Pop the hood through the hood release located near the driver’s side kick panel inside the car.
- Open the hood and locate the air filter box located on the right side of the engine.
- release the 4 clips on each side of the box cover.
- Use the phillips head screwdriver to release the air tube. This is very easy. Your hands will get dirty.
- Remove the current filter and replace the new one. Make note to install the same way the old one was installed. The flaps will point downward.
- Place cover back on, and re-clip all 4 clips.
- Put the air tube back on and screw tight. Make sure all clips and screw are air tight or you will get some engine noise.
- Voila 5-10 minutes later your Mazda CX-7 air filter is replaced and you pocketed $50+ dollars for a nice dinner on the town.
Refer to my previous post for the cabin air filter click here.
Mazda CX-7 Cabin Air Filter Replacement
Have you been quoted an astronomical price from the dealer for an air filter replacement? Our 2008 Mazda CX-7 has been a wonderful car for the past year we have owned it. The car gets great mileage from the 2.3 liter engine. However we recently had the pleasure of having the air conditioning compressor go bad over Christmas 2009.
Mazda’s free roadside assistance was very helpful and the repair was free. However I was slightly suprised when the Mazda dealer maintenance salesperson called to say the filters were not covered. Ok how much could a Mazda CX-7 cabin air filter cost to install? I was quoted an astounding $350 for fuel injection cleaning, cabin air filter, and engine air filter replacement.
Yikes! No fuel injection cleaning, how much for the filters? $150 was the quoted for the total. I responded you have to be kidding me. The air filter for the air conditioning system that removes the stinky air, pollen etc… is $75 to install. I checked on Google and came accross one on Ebay. $7.89 for the Mazda Cabin air filter plus $3.40 shipping. So the dealer was charging $75 and I was buying it for $11.29 total and five minutes of my time to install.
Four days later I received my filter. I placed a Google search and came across a great forum that had the picture by picture instructions. I have placed a link below for reference. I couldn’t have done a better job of explaining the installation of the filter myself. Saving $63.71 dollars and the hassle of taking my car to the dealer.
The Mazda CX-7 cabin air filter is located behind the glove box. There are no tools needed to replace the air filter. You push the plastic stopper pieces in on each side while sliding it open. Then unsnap the damper located in the lower right side. Push to the left in order to unsnap it. I hope this was helpful post in order to save you money, time and realize that the dealers are ripping everyone off.
Mazda Forum Click Here
- No Tools Required
- Under $12 dollars on Ebay (Shipping Included)
- Do it yourself in 5 minutes
