Filter media on floor mats?

[1998XJltd]

Hi gang. Apologies in advance for such a mundane question, but I'm at a loss and wanted to ask the experts.

On occasion, when the A/C blower fan is turned to high (dual zone), a small amount of what appears to be black filter media is emitted onto the floor from the lower vents. I was under the impression that the XJ did not have a cabin filter so I am at a loss as to where this evidently disintegrated filter media is coming from. And, how I might go about replacing it.

For a visual, it kind of looks like a ground up version of the below:

https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/PETCO/1554417-left-1

 

[RCP Phx]

There isn't a cabin filter so who knows what you have found, possibly the foam that surrounds the ac/heater core disintegrating!

 

[1998XJltd]

Thank you. It is good to hear that there is not a filter that I was unaware of, however, at risk of sounding dumb, where might I look to discover if it is in fact the foam wrap that you suggest?

By the way, it is on both the driver and passenger side floor mats, which is why I initially thought it was emanating from the lower HVAC vents, and therefore something internal to the climate control system.

 

[RCP Phx]

Foam is used thoughtout the system to make up for the duct connections, my advice would be not to look into this to far as you will only make it worse!

 

[Saudade]

I think the OEM evaps had a "pre-filter" mesh in front of the evap like in this pic. Since this is the side facing the blower, it keeps other debris from clogging the evap. After a while, it starts to breakdown. If you pull the blower out and peek inside with a mirror or borescope, you may see the remnants. Like RCP Phx says, don't mess with it.

 

[1998XJltd]

That sure looks like what I am finding on the floor, albeit in disintegrated form. Thank you!

 

[Ralph77]

To anybody doing an evap core and wanting to replace that it is called rearticulated foam.

 

[twags2004]

I think the OEM evaps had a "pre-filter" mesh in front of the evap like in this pic. Since this is the side facing the blower, it keeps other debris from clogging the evap. After a while, it starts to breakdown. If you pull the blower out and peek inside with a mirror or borescope, you may see the remnants. Like RCP Phx says, don't mess with it.


View attachment 12103

1998XJltd, This is 100% what was traveling through my system as well (also a 98). I had a big chunk on the back of the heater core which was choking air flow at full heat. There were also pieces on the back side of the dash vents. All that was left when I pull the evap out was 5 little circles stuck behind those holders. They crumbled right off! Also discovered that the evap core is leaking and my Styrofoam fell apart. Time to search for some sort of replacement now along with ordering a new evap core.....

 

[Jeep ride 2nd]

To anybody doing an evap core and wanting to replace that it is called rearticulated foam.

Available at your local Napa Auto Part's House Lol.

 

[four_shot]

IMHO it's not mission critical, and many systems don't use it. If you should decide to skip replacing it, I don't think the system would show any difference in operation.

 

[twags2004]

Not worth replacing in my opinion. Just more stuff to come loose and clog the heater cores airflow. Only thing I spent money on was replacement foam for around the heater core and evaporator to make sure they are seated and sealed properly. Also got a piece to replace the seal where the tubes go through the firewall since the original piece around the heater tubes was about as solid as dust!