Air Filter - aftermarket or OEM?

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fordem
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I think I've seen at least one comment here on the Pajero iO air filter not sealing properly, and I noticed that there was a fair bit of movement in between the various bits on my car - I can put one finger on the element and move it sideways in between the front & back sections of the housing, that element was an aftermarket one, and I was curious, would an OEM filter element fit any better and was it worth the extra cost.

The filter element at the top is MR552951, and as you can see it's noticeably larger (say 6mm or so) than the after market element it's resting on, it is also marginally taller (less than 1mm) and the rubber gasket is also thicker.

I installed the OEM element and the difference in fit is immediately noticeable - the clips latch a little more positively, and the element can no longer be moved with one finger - there is also noticeably less rattle from the assembly, which was actually what drew my attention to it.

imraojal
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OEM

I have always used the OEM from my mitsubishi supplier. I may change and get the Bosch one since its cheaper. I used to buy the OEM for USD20 and now its at USD38 inclusive of taxes. Bosch is at USD25 once i change I may know if a change has indeed occured.

fordem
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It might be my imagination

it seems to me the engine runs smoother & quieter - I wouldn't hesitate to buy OEM at USD$20, I just paid close to USD$100 for the filter I just fitted.

jam758
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It could possibly be the

It could possibly be the aftermarket brand you are using because I use aftermarket air filters and I have had no issue so far. 

I only use OEM parts for core systems (like engine and transmission for example) and electronic components.

2005 Pajero iO
H76W (LRXE1) AFE
4G93 SOHC (1830cc)

fordem
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How would you know if you had an issue?

It might seem like an odd question, but I'm serious, have you ever matched the after market filter you're using against an OEM one?  Maybe you did as I did - walk into the store and ask the counterman for an air filter for a Mitsubishi Pajero iO, take what you were handed and drop it in the car - it fits, it works.  I've been using aftermarket air filters for decades - upto a week ago I would have said, just as you did, I have had no issue so far.

Likewise - have you ever compared oil filters - I know a lot of guys who will use an oil filter because the dimensions match and it screws on just fine - do you put back what you take off, do you look up the recommended filter or do you take what the counterman hands you?

fordem
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I know I'm going off topic...

but what the heck, it's my thread.

A number of years back I had a friend who was senior managment in the bauxite mining industry, he was an engineer, and he had made literally all the way to the top - chairman.  He had on his desk a little plastic case with what appeared to be two identical black rubber balls, and I asked him why they were there - he opened the case, took them out, handed them to me, and asked can you see any difference between them.

They were black rubber, with the yellow Caterpillar logo on them, same size, same weight, same texture, and when you squeezed them, the same "give" (I think durometer would be the correct term for that - the softness or hardness of the rubber) - the two balls appeared to be identical inall regards - I gave them back to him, and he held them out and dropped them on the floor - one bounced, the other did not..

It was a Caterpillar sales tool intended to demonstrate to the customer that there was more to replacement parts than simply appearance, fit & finish - that a replacement part that appreared to be identical to the genuine part was no guarantee of equivalent functionality.

jam758
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This will surely be

This will surely be remembered. I see the value in the lesson. Thanks

2005 Pajero iO
H76W (LRXE1) AFE
4G93 SOHC (1830cc)

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