How To Replace Air Intake Boot

Air Intake Boot Replacement

Replacing Car Air Intake Boot

Helpful Information

The air intake assembly supplies air from the air filter to the throttle body or plate. If this tube fails it can cause incorrect readings from the mass air flow sensor MAF which causes the engine to run poorly. The intake boot is usually made of flexible rubber and over time, vibrations within the engine coupled with natural degradation of the rubber can cause small cracks that allow air to be pulled into the motor that was not filtered nor accounted for. Some of the symptoms of a bad air intake boot are higher than normal idle and poor fuel economy. Inspect the area between the ribs in the air intake boot by flexing it and looking for signs of wear. If you can see cracks then replacement is required.

Best Practices

• Keep track of all clamps, nuts and bolts in a container so they don't get misplaced
• Inspect intake boot for leaks before and after the job is complete

This guide gives step by step instructions on replacing an air intake boot. This article pertains to most non-electric vehicles.

Difficulty Scale: 2 of 10

This article pertains to all cars

Tools and Supplies Needed

• Air intake boot
• Screw driver set
• Wrench set
• Socket set

Begin with the car on level ground, in park with the parking brake set.

Step 1 -  Loosen and remove the clamps that secure the air intake boot to the air cleaner housing and the throttle body.

Removing Air Intake Boot Mounting Clamps

Step 2 - Remove breather tubes from the air intake boot

Removing Breather Hose

Step 3 - Use screwdriver to help loosen the seal, use a twisting motion to help remove it.

Disconnecting Air Intake Boot

Step 4 - Once the mounting clamps and breather hoses are removed and loosened, remove the air intake boot.

Air Intake Boot Removed

Step 5 - Match the old boot to the old unit. they should match up identically. Reinstall mounting clamps onto intake new boot

Installing Air intake Boot Clamp

Step 6 - Reinstalling air intake boot

Reinstalling Air Intake Boot

Step 7 - Finish installing air intake boot and recheck all clamps and hoses. Start engine and listen for any vacuum leaks or hissing sounds.

Completing the Air Boot Installation

Once completed , start the engine up and check for leaks or improper installation.