Fitting A Towbar

[Trialsrider]

Evening All

I have just started fitting a Brinks towbar to my 2008 RAV 4 XTR however I am stuck at the rear bumper removal.

I have unplugged the fog lamp cable but the part of the plug connected to the bumper is still attached to the car body by means of a clip, the plug seems to slide on this clip but I don't want to force it in case I break something.Also how do you release the cables to the reversing sensors - there looks like a small connector near to each sensor but once again I don't want to pull anything until I know for sure. Any info on these queries will be gratefully appreciated.

Another couple of queries while I'm here

I am planning on changing the air filter soon has anyone tried one of those K&N washable filters - Any good or is it best to stick with standard throw away filter?

Also is there any info in the forum regarding replacing the fuel filter?

Regards and many thanks

Alan

[IanXT4]

Hi

There are some free accessory installation manuals at Toyotas tech site that might give you more info

http://www.toyota-tech.eu/

Click "General", then select the appropriate "accessory installation manual"

These guides are usually good for showing how things come apart

Personally I would not touch washable filters, they are usually oiled and can affect/coat the air flow sensors.

[bothwell_buyer]

Have tried that type of air filter - however we went back to the original as it had a better thru put of air.

The K&N work well on some cars. Have alook around the forum or do a search in case people with MR2s or Celicas may have also tried them.

[Big Kev]

I have been running with a K & N Filter for 18 months now, and it took a recent visit to Scotlandshire by Anchorman to prove to me that (1)It deffo increases engine noise to cabin....induction roar (?), and (2) It causes the turbo whistle to also intrude slightly. No major dramas, really, but the difference in performance between the standard air filter and the Panel Filter on my Lindop Chipped SR180 is pretty much negligible.

If you want to try it, with sufficient cleaner fluid and renewing oil for another application, and all of the £29.99 it attracts going to charity (H4H), send me a PM with your address. It will not need cleaned/re-oiled for at least another 30k miles.

Big Kev

[shcm]

It will not need cleaned/re-oiled for at least another 30k miles.

Will that be snake oil Kev?

I can sell you a box full of neutrinos that will allegedly make your vehicle arrive before it left.

Kingo has been using them for years in his parcel deliveries.

[Big Kev]

It will not need cleaned/re-oiled for at least another 30k miles.

Will that be snake oil Kev?

I can sell you a box full of neutrinos that will allegedly make your vehicle arrive before it left.

Kingo has been using them for years in his parcel deliveries.

Glezga Kisses

[Trialsrider]

Thanks for your replies

I think I will stick to original Air filter

Quick query regarding fitting my towbar. I have fitted the towbar except for the 2 small brackets that fit just behind the rear arch and are held by 3 m8 bolts and connected to towbar by L bracket. As I am not fitting electrics and only pulling a motorcycle trailer I was hoping to leave these brackets off thus avoiding pulling interior panels off to fit them. I have noticed some other makes of towbar are held on with only 2 bolts to chassis on each side this Brinks towbar is currently held on with 7 bolts each side (4 on main chassis and 3 at bumper fixing).Anyone got any views on this and can I hopefully leave these brackets off?

Regards

Alan

[redlew]

As an aside don't forget to tell your insurance company-shouldn't be any increase in premium.