cabin filters

**timaishu** · 02-25-2012, 03:42 PM

Hey guys.

I have a question. I had my AC fixed recently and decided to change the cabin filter. It was NASTY!

Anyways, I found I installed it upside down.

So I took it out and it already has some dirty stuck to it. I blew out the bigger stuff with my air compressor but some little specks remain. Think I am alright to just flip it over, or should I buy a new one?

**RTexasF** · 02-25-2012, 03:48 PM

Just flip it over and be done with it.

**fr0mastaj** · 02-25-2012, 03:51 PM

Probably isnt a huge deal... but they are so cheap it wouldnt be a huge deal to replace it either.

Looks like you have a 3rd gen altima judging by your avatar? On the OEM cabin filter, arrow points UP; aftermarket ones, arrow points DOWN (airflow direction).

**timaishu** · 02-25-2012, 04:16 PM

Oh lord not this again, this is what confused me in the first place.

May as well ask you to. Yes it is a 3rd gen. So originally put it arrow facing up as thats what some write ups seemd to say. But some of the forum members on nissanclub said it should be arrow down. Which is it?

**fr0mastaj** · 02-25-2012, 04:26 PM

On the Nissan/OEM (from the dealer) filters, it is written 'install arrow pointing UP' or something along those lines. You would install obviously with arrow up in this case.
Random example:

However, on aftermarket filters (from any autoparts store), which most people buy... it says 'install with arrow in direction of AIRFLOW', which on the Altima is downward. So you would install with arrow down in this case. It is probably done this way to cover a wider variety of vehicles.
Example:

So it doesnt matter what write ups say. What really matters is what filter you purchased; OEM from the dealer or aftermarket from the autoparts stores. Hope that makes sense.

**ShaunD** · 02-25-2012, 04:26 PM

The arrows are usually just reference as the filter should filter the same regardless of the direction of air flow as long as the filter fit properly facing either way. At least from what I know about the ones I replaced in my STI. Either way that filter sounds better off than what your were breathing through the other one.

**mdb917** · 02-25-2012, 04:27 PM

I can't help you with the direction for a Nissan however I kindly disagree with just putting the used one back in. The fact it was "nasty" to use your own words means it is in fact working as intended and shows it is necessary. Besides, they are not that expensive. Living in S. California you may not need it as much as some of us who live in the northern climes. Just my $0.04 worth (yep, I'm worth the extra 2 cents

.

**LegacyGT** · 02-25-2012, 05:33 PM

Turn on the blower and stick your hand in her to see the air flow direction. Since it has been used at this point I would just leave it and change it at the next interval.

**ScottB** · 02-25-2012, 05:59 PM

Originally Posted by timaishu

Hey guys.

I have a question. I had my AC fixed recently and decided to change the cabin filter. It was NASTY!

Anyways, I found I installed it upside down.

So I took it out and it already has some dirty stuck to it. I blew out the bigger stuff with my air compressor but some little specks remain. Think I am alright to just flip it over, or should I buy a new one?

always spend the extra $ and get a charcoal impregnated version.

**bl3ujay07** · 02-25-2012, 06:04 PM

cheap as ever, get new one. Dont want all that nasty stuff blowing your way. The big stuff is not the stuff that will matter, its the small particles.