DIY: Secondary Air Filter Removal

Bought my 2010 TRD Sport DBl Cab the first of May. Did a service on it a couple of weeks ago changed the filter and wondered what that other filter was why didn't it come out. Now I know.

 

For the V6 folks, I just removed the secondary carbon filter and think I found the cleanest easiest way. Just unclip the main filter housing (as you would when changing your regular air filter). You’ll see the carbon filter in there with several (6?) plastic rivets. Just grab a hammer and chisel and use th chisel to pop the top off of the rivits and the filter will slide right out and you can easily reinstall with double sided tape or screws if you need to for an inspection. I only did 4 of the 6 and yanked and it came right out. One of th remaining 2 holes in the filter got bitched in the process. No big deal but in retrospect I would have taken the extra minute or two to just pop all the rivers so the filter would remain mint.

 

edited to correct for auto”correct”

 

Just did this on my 2017 TRD PRO. There are no rivets anymore, as much as its a melted stamp of sorts. There are about 18 of the little "stamps" that can be easily pried off. It took my a total of 10 minutes from opening the hood to closing it. Most of the time was because I was careful, and even tried to use a blow dryer to see if the heat helped (it didn't). Included some pictures of what I was working with.

 

http://www.rses.org/assets/serviceapplicationmanual/630-156.pdf

if you want to look at filters and the effect they have on air flow...doesnt matter if ur talking air handling service or intake service outcome is the same

 

Has anybody removed the secondary filter from TRD CAI on 3rd generation ? I have 2017 V6 with TRD CAI (with oiled TRD filter)and the charcoal filter is in the top air box cover and it look pretty easy to remove .
I have a MBRP full exhaust and since I got the TRD intake there is some gains in throttle response and little better shifting , but no gains in MPG. I’m willing to remove it , but need some info if someone done it ?

 

Alright, I'm convinced. Mine is coming out too. It sucked a decent amount of water at some point (snorkel came loose in fender, sucking air from open wheel-well), and the air box filter is brown with grime. Damage is already done (water), but at least I can get the dirty filter out of there (cause, priorities)

 

ez mod to monitor ur filter...

 

Just discovered the 2nd air filter during the 60,000 tune up and was really disappointed that it appeared to be bradded in place. Could not figure out why it was necessary and destroyed the brads taking it out. It didn't appear dirty but felt heavy like a dirty filter. Before putting it all back together got on line and discovered this site. Joined immediately. Thanks for all the good input. Pretty sure my four banger will appreciate the fresh air.

 

Ripped mine out of my 2.7L today. Ive been getting 15-16mpg so interested to see if this helps any. Running an aFe dry drop in filter

 

(Makes the same face as the statue for accidentally ordering the cabin air filter instead of the intake filter over eBay)

 

its a carbon filter..on engine shut down it adsorbs gas fumes. on start up they are sucked off the carbon into the engine..its an environmental filter.....

 

I looked into this mod on my 2015 DCSB 2.7 I4 Tacoma Prerunner and it makes no sense. The secondary filter box is SEALED closed and the main tube goes straight through to the throttle body anyway with no obstructions. The charcoal filter orifice is 90º from the main tube.

 

This has nothing to do with the sealed secondary filter box. Anyway, zero benefit removing it.

 

The Title of this whole thread is "DIY: Secondary Air Filter Removal".
That is what I responded to.

 

Yet that isn't the filter being discuss, all the same. What you call the secondary filter box is not the secondary air filter.

 

Ah. I see said the blind man. I'm looking at the wrong box. Doh! My bad.

 

Still no reason to remove it, it isn't causing any restriction that matters.

 

I want to thank you for setting me straight on this. I did remove it and it does give my 2.7L I4 a little more pep. I hope it also improves the MPG's. I just got back from topping off the tank and resetting the trip odometer so we will see in the near future. It may not be a noticeable difference in pep with the 4.0 V6 but it is with the 2.7L I4. Thanks again.