I am pretty sure there is one or more people out there who have created their own pollen filter because for one reason or another they did not like what Volvo has to offer. If you're out there, I would ask exactly how you created your own filter- what materials did you use, how did you assemble and install it, etc. etc.

I am interested in doing something like this, but too lazy to re-invent the wheel. Thanks!

I went ahead and created a homemade pollen filter this evening, and first of all I want to say I think it's a good idea. I was using the paper/carbon filter before, and like many people (Dave Spinning Wheel in particular) argued, that filter is way too restrictive- I could really hear the strain of the fan trying to pull air through it. I can't imagine that would be good for the fan.

So in case anyone is interested, here is what I did. Keep in mind that I am auto-illiterate, so don't laugh at my trial and error methods:

1) Throw away you old filter, don't try to use it's frame to construct a new filter within it. The carbon/paper element has a ton of glue on it, and it's a mess to get off (trust me, I tried).

2) Instead, pull out the black filter retainer bracket, which pops right out.

3) I went and bought something call "The Web", a high efficiency, electrostatic furnace filter that comes with it's own plastic grid. I cut one piece of the grid to fit into the bottom of the bracket. Since the hole leading to the fan is smaller than the dimensions of the bracket itself, there is little chance of this piece falling into the fan.

4) I then cut a piece of the filter material to fit inside the bracket.

5) I then cut another piece of the plastic grid to fit above the filter material, and I was able to lock that piece into place using the tab holes on the retainer bracket.

Profoundly simple, and as I said my fan sounds a lot less strained now- at midspeed I can hardly hear it at all, just the sound of air coming into the cabin. I suppose I gave up the carbon filtering aspect, but I just won't drive by any slaughterhouses for awhile.

My only other suggestion is that a HEPA filter might be even better than the one I bought, so I might try that down the road.

If anyone notices that I screwed anything up, let me know!

I recall reading the instructions that somebody posted awhile back. I thought it was fairly straightforward, like, get filter material, cut to fit housing, and insert. The original poster felt that this was more cost effective. In terms of what type of filter material to use, I don't recall exactly but I think it may have been something like the air filter for a home heating system.

I can't imagine trying to make the cowling piece. For this, you really need the Volvo part.

As far as the filter element, you may be able to buy or cut something that's less expensive than the pricey Volvo ones. It's possible that there is an engine air filter made in the correct size which could substitute and which would be cheaper.

What´s wrong with the original filter??