Air Intake
Air Mass Meter Boot
An air mass meter boot is the rubber or plastic duct that connects the mass air flow sensor to the throttle body or air box. We carry 44 air mass meter boots from $16 to $771 for 1991-2015 vehicles. Genuine parts make up most of the list, with the Toyota Camry, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Jetta, Nissan Altima and Chevrolet Impala leading.
Shop air mass meter boot by vehicle
Why boots crack
The boot flexes every time the engine rocks on its mounts. Under hood heat dries the rubber, and cracks usually start in the folds where it bends most.
Because the boot sits after the air mass meter on most layouts, a crack lets in air that the computer does not measure. Signs include a lean code, rough or hunting idle, stalling at stops and a whistle or hiss from the intake. Small vacuum ports on the boot can also split or break off.
Matching the boot
Boots are shaped for each engine bay, so they rarely interchange between engines. Count the ports for breather and vacuum hoses on your old boot and compare them with the listing photos.
Many listings here are Genuine factory parts, and Dorman and MTC also make replacements. Check the fitment table for engine size and year range. If your boot has a part number molded in, use it to match.
Install tips
Disconnect the sensor plug and any hoses on the boot, then loosen the clamps at each end. Inspect the clamps and replace any that are rusty.
Push the new boot fully onto the meter and throttle body, line up any index marks, and tighten clamps evenly. Reconnect every small hose. Clear stored codes and let the engine idle to confirm it runs smoothly.
Air Mass Meter Boot questions
What are the symptoms of a cracked air mass meter boot?
Common signs are rough idle, stalling, hesitation, lean codes on the scanner and a hissing sound from the intake area.
Can I tape a cracked intake boot?
Tape is a short-term patch at best. Heat and movement break it down quickly, and the leak returns. Replacing the boot is the lasting fix.
Do I need to replace the clamps with the boot?
Reuse them if they are clean and tighten properly. Replace any clamp that is rusted, stripped or bent.