Air filter disconnecting!!!

[jphealy]

I've opened my bonnet the last couple of days to find the "large hose" (I'm no mechanic - sorry!) that attaches the air filter to the engine, to be slightly coming away - still mostly connected, but there's a gap.  I can shove it back on by hand, and it seems to stay there, but when I check it again a day later, after driving, it's coming off slightly again!

Considering a new air filter can supposedly give you more power, surely I'm losing out on power with the hose coming loose?  Is it nothing to worry about, or should I have it seen to asap?  Has anybody else experienced this?

The car is a totally standard '06 mk5 btw.

[RedRobin]

^^^^
Get it fixed asap. Your engine needs clean air. It's probably a very simple fix.

[jphealy]

Thanks for that.  I've done a bit of reading and I think I've learned that the filter itself is installed in the engine cover - is that right?  So it's the fat tube that connects the air intake box to the engine cover that's come loose.  I think I did a decent job of reaffixing it last night by hand, but I'll check it again today and if it's come loose again, I'll bring it to the garage.

[Spaced]

You may need some mole grips, but move the clip that hold the ribbed tube back a notch so it has more purchase on the air filter housing.

[Teutonic_Tamer]

I've opened my bonnet the last couple of days to find the "large hose" (I'm no mechanic - sorry!) that attaches the air filter to the engine, to be slightly coming away - still mostly connected, but there's a gap.  I can shove it back on by hand, and it seems to stay there, but when I check it again a day later, after driving, it's coming off slightly again!

Give is a picture to highlight your concerns. 

Considering a new air filter can supposedly give you more power, surely I'm losing out on power with the hose coming loose?  Is it nothing to worry about, or should I have it seen to asap?  Has anybody else experienced this?

Depending on which hose has dislodged, the level of 'concern' will be very different.  I really need a pic.  If it is one type of hose, then you don't really need to loose sleep, but if it is another, then it could be doing harm.  So get the camera out. 

[Teutonic_Tamer]

Thanks for that.  I've done a bit of reading and I think I've learned that the filter itself is installed in the engine cover - is that right?

Yup, the actual air filter element is located at the rear of the engine cover.

So it's the fat tube that connects the air intake box to the engine cover that's come loose.  I think I did a decent job of reaffixing it last night by hand, but I'll check it again today and if it's come loose again, I'll bring it to the garage.

You mean the 'corrugated' hose (which is next to the battery) between the engine cover and the intake duct mounted near the radiator?  If so, then it isn't at all critical to the actual efficiency of the air filter.  But it is fairly common for these to keep dislodging - not helped by the soggy engine mounts on these cars! 

[jphealy]

Can't post a pic right now, but I'll see if I can later.  It is the big (approx 3inch diameter maybe?) corrugated tube that connects the air intake to the engine cover on the right hand side (as you look at it from the front of the car).  I think it is beside the battery alright - I'll have to double check that one.

[JoeGTI]

I have exactly the same problem, noticed it today when I went to fill the screen washer... coincidentally enough the car was serviced last week, so they obviously didn't re-attach it properly... Grrrrr!
Looks like a very simple thing to fix though, I tried it myself but just can't get the metal clip that holds it in place on tight enough. A quick trip to the stealers... again!

[jphealy]

It's annoying alright - but a very quick simple fix.  I popped into a VW dealer and they did it for me straight away, and it took about 30 seconds.  They didn't charge me anything.