Wix Horrors!

[paulo57509]

I had to replace a faulty injector in my '03 GMC Safari. In due course, I had to remove the air box and ducting. Inside the air box was a Wix panel filter. There were tons of gnats on the intake side of the filter and air box.

When I separated the top of the air box (engine side) from the MAF this is what I found:

Gnat parts

Comparing the Wix filter and the ACDelco replacement filter, the Wix filter is slightly wider than the ACDelco filter. The Wix filter was pinched between the air box lid and bottom creating a gap on the engine side of the filter (the air box lid has cam-over clamps on the front edge; tab and slot type retention on the opposite edge). Unless you really looked behind the air box, the gap would go un-noticed (and it did). The Wix filter seal was even cracked due to the ill fit between the it and the air box.

No doubt the engine didn't ingest the larger gnats, but I'm sure dirt and dust got in. Sometimes, it pays to go with OEM parts.

My photos of the Wix filter were too out of focus to post.

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: paulo57509
No doubt the engine didn't ingest the larger gnats, but I'm sure dirt and dust got in. Sometimes, it pays to go with OEM parts.


I've had less than ideal fit with Wix air filters, too. I use their oil filters almost always, but I stick to Fram or OEM for air filters.

 

[sciphi]

OEM for our two cars. Considering an air filter can go 40-50k miles without needing a change, I'll spend the extra on the OEM part.

 

[daves87rs]

Cobalt didn't like it either...

 

[ltslimjim]

I think the best thing anyone can do before 'tossing away' the OE filter is to compare the dimensions and specs side by side and then view the box where the element installs to try and see if possible differences might be an issue.

Unfortunately, OE isn't always available to folks unless buying online. However, this also doesn't mean there isn't an aftermarket quality part.

 

[Jim Allen]

Oh the Humanities!

Still, I don't think it's wise to dismiss all Wix filters as "bad." A comparison between two filters will highlight any quality issues as was done in this case, but it's interesting to note that quality issue come up as often by individual part number as by brand. Though I'm beginning to think, as a company, Wix is slipping a bit.

This is certainly a teachable moment about carefully checking every filter installed for proper fit. OE filters or otherwise. The other lesson is that once you have the filter properly installed, leave it the heck alone until it's time to change it. Many sealing issues come from too many inspections and the damaged seals that result. Better to install a restriction gauge and run the filter until the gauge says to change it. Or to follow the factory interval.

 

[Eddie]

Interesting. The WIX air filter for my CX7 Mazda and Subaru Forester fit prefectly. Any chance the WIX in question was the correct part.?

 

[accent2012]

I have a WIX air filter in my accent. made in south korea, so it is likely it was made by Mobis (which makes parts for Hyundai).

No problems. Intake is clean

 

[afoulk]

OEM air filters are the only ones I've found to fit my Scion ok. Even the AFE ProDry filter I got for it does not fit correctly.

 

[Mau]

the wix filters on both my acura's fit perfectly. Very similar to oem except white paper instead of colorful ones...

 

[johnachak]

I never liked Wix air filters and for my application, Wix oil filters are made in Korea. No more Wix for me.

 

[Jarlaxle]

Are you SURE the guy used the right filter?

 

[kemo]

Originally Posted By: daves87rs
Cobalt didn't like it either...


had a cobalt too, and never had a wix fit it, even though they argued that it was guaranteed to fit since it was specified for it. Bought one, immediately returned it.

 

[paulo57509]

Originally Posted By: Jarlaxle
Are you SURE the guy used the right filter?


I'm sure Dad just installed whatever filter the distributor/warehouse delivered to him (he never bought parts from DIY places).

I didn't really notice if Wix prints their P/N on the filter so who knows what was in there. At the time, I wasn't really concerned with whether the Wix was the correct filter or not (I'm still not concerned). Debris got past the filter for some reason and that's water under the bridge.

But looking at the Wix filter and the seal, I would have to say that the filter seal didn't....fit the air box or otherwise. Just posting a data point.

 

[WMSmotorhead]

Hmm.. I got Hastings/Federated filters in mine... all have been good fits, but also, all have been Ford cars.

Purolator and Hastings filters always fit right in my cars.

 

[hattaresguy]

I just put a Wix in my Silverado, fits great, looks like a nice filter, don't expect any issues.

 

[JustinC25]

I have a Wix in my Outback, and it was identical to my OE Subaru filter that it replaced. It was made in South Korea, and fits perfect.

On a side note, I was pleasantly surprised by a Pronto air filter I bought for the wife's Camry. For 4 bucks, I expected it to be junk,
But it too looked like OEM, and fit well.

 

[Carnoobie]

I thought Wix is supposed to be one of the best?

 

[Colt45ws]

They have their issues like any others. If you want guaranteed fit and function, OE.

 

[ltslimjim]

Originally Posted By: JustinC25
I have a Wix in my Outback, and it was identical to my OE Subaru filter that it replaced. It was made in South Korea, and fits perfect.

On a side note, I was pleasantly surprised by a Pronto air filter I bought for the wife's Camry. For 4 bucks, I expected it to be junk,
But it too looked like OEM, and fit well.


I'd really be curious to see Si readings off of the Camry in a year.