Stock SAIS System Filter After 100k Miles

As I've read and watched much about replacing the stock foam filter on the secondary air injection system, I thought I'd post my findings after 103k miles.

A few important notes, I do live in the southern U.S. and so has my truck for all those miles. That said, it really hasn't been exposed to salt or any of the harsher winter conditions a more northern truck with the same miles may have seen. It also hasn't experienced a ton off road or other factors that may further contribute to filter deterioration.

That said, here's how the stock foam filter looked right after I removed it:


A bit of crud and dust built up on the side receiving outside airflow but not too shabby!

Here's a look of at the SAIS intake where filtered air would enter.


A little dirt but not bad at all considering that I was expecting to find a near disintegrated piece of brownish foam based on what I had read.

Despite this,I did move forward with replacing the stock filter with the UNI breather Filter. Maybe it's just me but the truck does seem to run ever so slightly smoother with the new filter which in my opinion is worth the $15.

 

Save the OEM parts in the event that Toyota does include later model 2nd Gens in the replacement program.....

Some folks have said that their foam filter disintegrated and damaged the impellers. Mine was in pretty good shape on my 12' but it doesn't have many miles on it. I think the majority of issues stem from moisture effecting the SAI valves and them getting stuck open. I believe that the 13's and later, the SAI cycles at start up and shut down relieving the system of moisture. The 12's only cycle at start up.....

 

Mine was just as clean after about 85,000 miles.

Hey OP, it's just placebo. The system does not run all the time. This is especiqlly true on 2013 and above Tacomas. Any changes you felt in running condition are just in your head.

 

My 2015 is on its third set of valves/pumps. Shitty parts for a shitty reason IMHO.

 

I just did the same on my 2013 this weekend and with 75k miles my filter looked almost identical to yours. I can't say I notice a difference but it gives a bit more piece of mind knowing that it has a filter I don't need to worry about falling apart and clogging things up.