How to Replace an Engine Air Intake Tube

Need to change you car engine air intake boot or air intake tube? Let's jump right in.

The air intake tube and boot is used to connect the air filter housing and mass air flow sensor to the throttle actuator or body. This rubber like part is attached using simple hose clamps. Replacing the boot takes about 15 minutes using everyday tools.

What Goes Wrong?

This boot is usually made of flexible rubber and over time and vibration created from the engine coupled with natural degradation of the rubber can cause small cracks which allow air to be pulled into the engine that was not filtered nor accounted for by the MAF which feeds back information to the ECM computer. This unmetered air can cause:

  • Extended crank time
  • Hesitation
  • Poor gas mileage
  • High or low engine idle
  • Check engine light
  • Failed smog test
  • Crank and not start (unless foot is on the gas pedal slightly)
  • Stall while turning the vehicle right or left

If you don't have the replacement parts or tools to do the repair job we will show you how to get the best parts and deals at the end of this guide. You shouldn't need to raise the car in the air so this job is pretty easy and can be done by most people. Raise the hood and allow the engine to cool before beginning.

Let's Fix It!

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

Step 1: Locate and Remove

Using a screwdriver or a small socket and ratchet loosen the clamps that secure the boot or tube to the air cleaner housing and the throttle body by turning the clamp screws counterclockwise. There maybe an mass air flow sensor involved depending on the design of the engine.

removing air intake clamp

Engine breather tubes maybe connected to the boot/tube which is used to ventilate the engine crankcase gases into the intake system to be re-consumed by the engine combustion process. These tubes are held in place by a plastic clip. Use a small screwdriver or pick to lift upward the fastener which will enable you to remove this connection.

removing breather hose

Sometimes the boot can be stuck on the intake tube or air cleaner housing due to heat from the engine and pressure of the clamp. Use a screwdriver or pick to help break the seal and while use a twisting motion help loosen the seal to remove one end of the boot.

disconnecting intake boot

Once the mounting clamps and breather hoses are removed and loosened completely remove the boot or tube. Inspect the area between the ribs by flexing it and looking for signs of rips or tears. If these imperfection are found replacement is required. Keep track of all clamps, nuts and bolts in a container so they don't get misplaced.

air intake boot removed

Step 2: Installing the New Boot

Match the new boot to the old unit, they should match up identically. Reinstall mounting clamps onto the new boot or tube. Take note of the clamps orientation which will make installation much easier.

air intake boot clamp

While holding the new boot firmly with one hand and making sure the clamps do not fall off reinstall the new air intake boot onto the throttle actuator first. Be sure not to get any dirt into the area during the installation process.

installing air intake boot

Finish by installing air intake tube by fitting the boot end on the tube onto the air filter housing or mass air flow sensor while tightening the clamps snugly, do not over tighten. Some tubes will have an orientation tab which must be fitted into its proper slot. Start the engine and listen for any vacuum leaks or hissing sounds which would be an indication of the boot lip being folded under either on the throttle actuator or the air filter housing.

air intake installed

This is what a failed intake tube looks like. Please continue by watching both videos below to get an idea on what you are in for when doing these kinds of repairs.
 


 

Thank you for reading through the guide please watch the videos below before you begin the repair.

Air Intake Boot Replacement Video

Air Intake Tube Replacement Video

Questions?

If you have any question please visit our forum where hundreds of air intake tube questions have been answered by our experts. If you need more information about what you have just read please ask one of our mechanics, we are happy to help.

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