The engine air filter plays a vital role in protecting your engine as it stops various debris particles from entering and causing damage. As debris adds up with every mile traveled, the air filter will reach its maximum dirt absorption capacity at some point. When this happens, the air flow resistance rises and affects the engine’s performance. So, it is important to replace the air filter at your vehicle’s specified maintenance interval. However, you may need to change your air filter sooner depending on your driving conditions.
While changing the engine air filters on your Porsche 911 requires you to remove the bumper and tail lights, it’s still very easy and a great way to save money doing it yourself. To get an overview of the procedure, check out this video from the YouTube channel, Auto Amateur. Detailed step-by-step instructions, along with the parts and tools you’ll need, can be found below.
Step 1: Prepare your vehicle and work area.
- Since you will be working near the exhaust, perform this job with a cold engine to eliminate the risk of burns.
- To protect your vehicle from scratches, use masking tape to cover the edges of the bumper and fenders that meet up with the bumper and tail lights.
- Also, lay a blanket underneath the bumper, so you can set it down without scratching it.
- Gather the required parts and tools.
Step 2: Remove the rear tail lights.
- Start by raising the rear spoiler as shown in this video from ml414skidoo.
- To do this, turn on the ignition, then press the spoiler button on the center console until it illuminates.
- Then, press and hold the spoiler button until the indicator goes away; this will put your spoiler up in service mode.
- With the spoiler raised, locate and remove the plastic trim pieces on the left and right sides by gently prying them up.
- On each side, you will now see 2 T25 Torx screws, which you will need to remove.
- Carefully wiggle each tail light out and unclip the wiring connector by pressing on the tab and pulling the connector out.
Step 3: Remove the rear bumper.
- Because of the large size and awkward shape of the bumper, we strongly suggest a second pair of hands when it comes time to remove and re-install the bumper.
- On each side of the bumper, use a T30 Torx bit to remove the 3 screws within the wheel arch and 2 screws on the bottom of the bumper.
- Remove another 4 T30 Torx screws on the bottom of the bumper in between the exhaust tips.
- Remove another 4 T30 Torx screws at the top of the bumper, which are accessible with the spoiler up.
- Now, there is only one T30 Torx screw left on each side behind the tail light.
- Remove the T30 Torx screw on one side, then have your assistance support that side of the bumper.
- Remove the final T30 Torx screw on the opposite side while supporting the bumper.
- Carefully, have you and your assistance remove the bumper and set it down on a blanket so you don’t scratch the paint.
- With the bumper set on the ground, unclip the wiring connect on the driver’s side.
Step 4: Replace the engine air filters.
- You should now see the engine air filter housing.
- Remove the air filter housing cover by removing all the T25 Torx screws that hold it in place.
- Remove each engine air filter and vacuum the air filter housing to prevent debris from getting into your engine.
- Fit the new air filters and make sure to seat the edges correctly on the air intake housing.
- Re-install the air filter housing cover and hand tighten the fasteners.
Step 5: Re-install everything.
- Reinstall all parts in reverse order.
- Take extra care not to damage the paint when handling the bumper.
- Clean up your work area and you’re all done!
