
The steps to replace the air filter for Golf 7 are: 1. Twist and pull out the small tube, and use needle-nose pliers to loosen the clamp on the large intake pipe and pull it out to remove; 2. There are three rubber sleeves at the bottom of the air filter box. Lift the air filter box upwards to remove it; 3. Remove the cross screws, then loosen the four plastic clips on top, open the air filter box cover, take out the old air filter, and replace it with a new one. The body dimensions of the Golf 7 are: length 4296mm, width 1788mm, height 1471mm, wheelbase 2636mm, fuel tank capacity 51L. It is equipped with a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine, with a maximum power of 81kW and a maximum torque of 155Nm.

Last time I replaced the air filter for my Golf 7 by myself and it was quite simple. Open the engine compartment, and the black box near the windshield is the air filter housing. There are five T-shaped screws on top, just loosen them with a screwdriver; no need to remove them completely. The cover has a tube connected to it, so don't pull it hard. Gently lift the entire cover at a 45-degree angle to move it aside. When pulling out the old filter, pay attention to the installation direction. The new filter should be placed with the rubber sealing strip on the edge facing downward. Leaves often accumulate in the corners of the filter box, so remember to clean it thoroughly with a flashlight before closing the cover. I was lazy and used a flat-head screwdriver as a lever to pry the cover, which ended up scratching the box. I recommend using a plastic pry bar instead.

DIY replacement of the Golf 7's air filter can save you over a hundred bucks in labor costs. The air filter box is located on the left side of the engine—it's the square plastic box with an intake pipe. Use a T25 screwdriver to turn the five screws counterclockwise; they'll stay attached to the cover and won't fall off. When lifting the cover, the hose will tug—brace the box with your knee, press the hose connector with your left hand, and lift the cover with your right hand for easy separation. Always buy OEM filters with foam sealing rings, as aftermarket ones often fall short in size. When installing the new filter, align the pleats with the intake port position, press firmly on all four corners before closing. Once, I forgot to secure the filter edges properly, and the box whistled with air leaks on the highway.

The key to replacing the filter lies in the details. Take a photo of the hose routing before opening the cover. Place the screws in order on a magnetic tray—I once mixed them up and ended up with three extra screws. The grooves in the filter box base tend to accumulate sand; use a vacuum with a narrow nozzle to clean them thoroughly. Don’t skimp on the new filter—cheap 30-yuan ones from Taobao may prevent the box from closing properly. When reassembling, first secure the hose connector before closing the lid, or you’ll have to disassemble it again. Align the screw holes accurately to avoid stripping the threads. The whole process takes just 20 minutes, but first-timers should set aside an hour.


