I got tired of fighting with the air filter box lid, when I wanted to check the air filter. So when I noticed the air tube was split open at the bottom near the throttlebody, from all the pushing on the lid trying to get it out from under the fender, I decided to do something about it. Since the main problem was getting the lid above the fender, I decided to try and cut a notch out of the fender flange, to allow more room for the lid. After removing the plastic trip piece, I noticed there was a fender support bracket in the area. I didn't think the bracket was really necessary, so I cut it off, and bent/folded the fender flange under, about 1/2" to 3/4". Then I used a dremel to trim the plastic trim piece in that area. I took a picture of the finished product to show what I ended up with. I can now change the air filter easily, and I don't have to worry about damaging the air tube.

 

I know the struggles you are talking about, but it's becoming a distance memory because I now don't need to check it that often with K&N. I'll retrace your write up when I do check/clean the next time.

 

So, the K&N doesn't get dirty? I know you don't have to replace it, but you should still have to check and clean it every now and then. I noticed you have an 8th gen. Does the 2010 have the same issue? For the first few years, I checked the filter more often, not knowing how quickly it would get dirty. Now that I know it takes a while, I don't check it as often. I should have done this (chopped up the fender flange) years ago, before I ended up splitting the air tube open. I know it doesn't look great, and I could have done a neater job, but form always follows function with me. I just wanted to make changing the filter easier, and less damaging, not really caring what it looked like.

 

K & N does get dirty too. Maybe it's lazyness on my part, but I kind of have an idea on "when" I need to check and clean it. So I stick by that.

I have a 8th Gen now and had a 7.5 Gen I4.

Back in the old days when the air box was held by clips, I would check very often.

 

So does the 8th gen have the same problem? Or did Honda fix it?

 

I recently replaced mine with an AEM V2 CAI. But taking that stock air box out was a pain. I can see how just trying to open it would be even tougher.

 

Dare I say I only open the air box once since I got my 2010 Accord. It was when I put in the K&N. So I don't recall.




Yes, Bad GLD. I should check and clean it next week. This week(end) I'm busy.

 

FWIW the OEM Honda filters are pretty good for about 30k. There really isnt a need to "check" the filter. Replace it at the proper intervals and youre good.

 

Wouldn't that depend on the air you're driving in? It's sugarcane harvesting time right now, and there's a lot of dust lately. It rains, and the tractors drop mud on the road. Then it dries, and you're driving in dust. It all depends on the weather.

 

Good point.





<<<<<<<<*lives in Southern CA and is ignorant to other climates and environments that aren't paradise-like*