Better Nylon Rivets for Cabin Filter change

[jack n]

I popped the nylon rivets holding the plastic cowl in the back of the enging compartment, in order to get to the cabin air filter. Most of these rivets broke. There are nine rivets total. New ones are about $2.30 at the dealer -- that's about $20 to replace rivets.

I now know that it's not necessary to remove more than five or six to get to the filter.

Then I discovered that Lowe's has a better design, which is easier to remove without damage, for 52 cents. They are called Hillman 1/4" Push-In Nylon Rivet, part H#881207. These look nearly identical to the original, but a small screwdriver can pry up the center lock to facilitate removal.

[Blublocker]

Thanks for the info. I've had my 2000 ls for nearly 5 years now and have been meaning to replace that filter for some time...I've never done it! :eek:
It drives me nuts when I start a project and have to run out for the unexpected...thank you.

[MarkVa1]

I'm just about to do that for my LS. Thanks for the info. Putting cheapy plastic rivets on a $30 - $40K car is rediculous. The little things like that really rub me the wrong way.

*post edited for content

[ April 16, 2005: Message edited by: jonota ]

[eL eS]

fantastic. Thanks for the post.

[luckieleo]

quote:Originally posted by Blublocker:
Thanks for the info. I've had my 2000 ls for nearly 5 years now and have been meaning to replace that filter for some time...I've never done it! :eek:
It drives me nuts when I start a project and have to run out for the unexpected...thank you.

yeah, my LS is a 2000. just replaced the cabin filter yesterday!! that thing was FILTHY!!!! well, this summer my a/c shouldnt be so stinky now that it has a new filter! the old one was literally COVERED in black crap & had little dead bugs in there too!!!! :eek:


oh yeah, and i busted all my little rivets prying them off w/a screwdriver. thanks for the helpful post. i wasnt about to pay $20 to replace them!!!

[HOTLINC]

I think what is most frustruating is that they are so simple to use - once you know how to use them.

To take them out:

Simply push in on the little center/middle pin. It will make a "snap" noise. Now use your finger(s) to remove it. No tools required.

*Before you reinsert them, you have to push the middle piece back out so it is about 1/4" out from the top.

To replace:

Put them into the hole and simply push the middle down until it snaps into place.

If you use any tools to change the cabin air filter - your doing too much work!

[MarkVa1]

damn HOTLINC - wish I had read that this weekend. Just replaced the AC Filter and busted very one of those things! and enjoyed every minute of it ! guess it's time to go to Lowes and get some replacements. next time I'll try not to break them. out smarted by a 2 cent piece of plastic - that's depressing.

[HOTLINC]

I had to break one to discover how they work, too. I broke on on the V6 engine cover and borrowed one from somewhere else to replace it. I think I ended up getting one "free" at a local Ford garage in the end to replace it.

[jonota]

They are pretty simple, but like many, I had to break one or two first! They are flimsy, I'll have to look into those replacements!

MarkVa - Please refrain from using such language. While we encourage enthusiasm, comments such as the one that was edited are not called for and will be either edited or deleted. Please do not let it go beyond this.

Jonota

[Ultimate'05LS]

quote:Originally posted by jack n:
I popped the nylon rivets holding the plastic cowl in the back of the enging compartment, in order to get to the cabin air filter. Most of these rivets broke. There are nine rivets total. New ones are about $2.30 at the dealer -- that's about $20 to replace rivets.

I now know that it's not necessary to remove more than five or six to get to the filter.

Then I discovered that Lowe's has a better design, which is easier to remove without damage, for 52 cents. They are called Hillman 1/4" Push-In Nylon Rivet, part H#881207. These look nearly identical to the original, but a small screwdriver can pry up the center lock to facilitate removal.Is there a NAPA or Fram (or whatever) part # for the cabin air filter? I have two in my garage I got for my Escape and was wondering if they'd work when I needed a new one (I changed it every year).

[Blublocker]

I've been to the local parts suppliers...no one seems to have the cabin filter. Do I have to go to the dealership for this...what's the price tag on this one...?
Thanks Guys.

[MarkVa1]

www.discountautoparts.com. (http://www.discountautoparts.com.) They have a Wix replacement cabin filter for $16.50 plus shipping

This was posted under another topic by QuickLS. I ordered one a few months ago, arrrived in a timely manner and installed, no problemo.

[sqfanatic]

I dont mean to be a noob here, but where and how do I replace this filter on my 2000 LS V8?