🔧 NX - Engine Air Filter Replacement

You’ll be opening the air filter box (air cleaner housing), removing the old filter, and installing a new one. A clean air filter helps your NX breathe properly, which supports power, fuel economy, and protects the turbo from dirt.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.2-0.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool engine to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Keep tools and fingers away from the radiator fans; they can turn on unexpectedly.
• ⚠️ Do not run the engine with the air filter removed (unfiltered air can damage the turbo and engine).
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Flashlight
• Trim clip removal tool (specialty)
• Phillips screwdriver #2

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine air filter - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and let the engine cool for at least 15–30 minutes.
• Have your flashlight ready for clip locations.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the air filter box

• Use a flashlight to find the black plastic air filter box connected to the large intake tube near the engine.
• This box is usually held closed with metal clips and/or screws.

Step 2: Release the air box fasteners

• Use a Phillips screwdriver #2 to loosen any screws holding the air box lid (if equipped).
• If your NX uses retaining clips, use a trim clip removal tool (specialty) to gently pop each clip open. (A trim clip tool is a small forked pry tool that helps you open clips without breaking them.)
• Don’t force it—clips should pop open smoothly.

Step 3: Open the air box and remove the old filter

• Use your nitrile gloves and lift the air box lid just enough to access the filter.
• Pull the old air filter straight out by hand.
• Use the flashlight to check the bottom of the air box for leaves or dirt.

Step 4: Clean out the air box (lightly)

• Use the flashlight to inspect the inside edges where the filter seals.
• Wipe out loose debris by hand with a clean, dry cloth (no oil or liquids). If you use a cloth, keep it away from the intake opening so nothing falls in.

Step 5: Install the new air filter

• Insert the new filter by hand the same way the old one came out.
• Make sure the filter sits fully down in the tray and the sealing edge is even all the way around.
• If it won’t sit flat, it’s not aligned.

Step 6: Close and secure the air box

• Lower the air box lid into place by hand, making sure it is seated evenly.
• Re-latch the clips using the trim clip removal tool (specialty) as needed to guide them into position.
• Tighten any screws using the Phillips screwdriver #2 until snug (do not over-tighten plastic).

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle for 20–30 seconds.
• Listen for any whistling or hissing that could indicate the air box lid isn’t sealed.
• Do a quick visual check that all clips/screws are fully secured.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $80-$160 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $15-$40 (parts only)

You Save: $65-$120 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.2-0.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.