Changed some air filters... How does this even happen?

Pulled my air box off and it was full of dirt and rocks and some grass. Box had dirt caked on it in spots. The filter was pretty bad. Worst ive ever seen. Dirt and dust would roll when you knocked it on something. Also pulled the cabin filter out. It was full of leaves and dirt. How does that even happen? Went ahead and cleaned the MAF sensor. Also noticed that the bracket holding the box down is broken. Pulled the box off the throttle body.. Thankfully the throttle body was very surprisingly clean. I didn't pull throttle body off, just looked at it from the front. Heres some pics for your enjoyment.

 

There is very little protection for the cabin filter, the wiper cowl is all that stops debris from coming in, so its important to change it at least once a year.

The engine air filter varies with areas. I live in a dry dusty area and usually have to change them once a year as well.

When I change customers filters after they get that bad I do the same, quick MAF and throttle body clean. Sucks the throttle is such a pain to quickly check on these trucks.

 

the rocks in the air box are what concerned me.. I was like, how the heck do rocks get in there?

 

As for dirt in your air box, is your wheel well lining still in place? The cold air duct runs to the wheel well area. If the end of the pipe were exposed to dirt and mud being flung up by the tire it may get in there if the lining isn't protecting it.

 

All the lining is there. Which is why I don't see how mud and rocks really got in there.

 

Did you buy it used? Just wondering if someone had the factory duct work off up to the filter box and it was exposed.

 

yeah used bout 6 months ago. 52k miles. Its possible.. The splash guards were under the back seat.. so who knows

 

That's probably what it was. Had the duct work off to make the intake more loud.

 

I like the nail

 

Its a stick... Unless you mean my thumbnail.. lol