Wife; why would I pay for a cabin air filter? Me:

Let's see your best "I don't need that"

 

I should really change mine now. Lol

 

There is also a reason oem is more expensive. Other than pissing off mechanics, there is a reason manufacturer engineers make the big bucks. Just my .02

 

I have a 2006 and changed it for the first time a couple weeks ago. It looked bad but not as bad as OP's. But, when I went to remove it, it completely fell apart into 3-4 pieces.

 

Most wives don't understand vehicle maintenance and that things have to be replaced. Much like many guys nowadays!!

 

LOL, sad but true. Anyone else have pics of bad filters, or we don't need that type stuff? I have a feeling this could get interesting.

 

Cabin filter from my 2002 GMC sierra 1500. One of the first things I did when I got the truck is change the cabin filter. Probably hasn't been changed in 10+ yrs

I had the plastic bag under the filter compartment to catch what would fall since I know the filter in this generation of truck is a PIA to change and often gets ignored since it requires removal of 4 screws and 2 panels to get to it.

This is all the crud from living in SoCal suburbia/metropolitan too. I couldn't image what gets picked up with living in a more rural area with a cabin filter of this age.

 

Holy smokes! I change mine more often livin' in the big city

 

I change mine every 10-15k and I’m surprised how much pollen and dirt gets in it. Nowhere near as bad as OP’s tho

 

This is why there are State inspections, to catch stuff like this that drivers never seem to notice. Brakes, steering and suspension components, tires and lights just to name a few that should at least be annually inspected.

 

...

 

FYI its installed the wrong way, should be rotated 90 degrees, the felt edges go on the sides not front and back.

 

I have never seen a state inspection actually inspect anything other than say yup you passed. Waste of money and is just another state money grab.

 

I was a State inspector and I'd fail people for safety issues with out blinking an eye. My mom and dad and rest of the family including me use the same roads as some asshole with a tie rod about to fall out or bald tires. I'm not cool with that

 

Just did my 4Runner and it specifically said flat edges front and back.

 

Is that an entire bird? That may be where all the thatch and acorns came from in mine

 

See on that one it says insert this direction with the arrow, 4runner may be different?

 

For all it's rules and regulations, it's weird that we don't have safety inspections here in CA. Not that I want another annual fee and forced government program put on me, but goddamn there are some sketchy vehicles on our roads.

 

I'm a state inspector and diesel mechanic. I agree 1000% with this. Most people don't care til a wheel end comes flying through your windshield as you are on your way to a nice family picnic with 3 kids and a wife in the car with you.