I changed my engine filter today and noticed a spongy filter like material on the top of the housing where the engine filter goes. Does this need to be replaced too? Or is this not a problem?

 

It looks like padding. It's not another filter element cause its attached to the cover.

 

nope doesnt need to be replace

 

yea its jus padding bro no needing to replace that lol

 

Looks like sound insulation / absorption? Never noticed it..

 

It is another filter, but it's a backup. It's there just in case some moron forgets to put an air filter in during service just to catch anything huge like leaves and bumble bees from getting into the engine.

Provided you never drive your car around without an air filter (or a damaged one), that should not need replacing as all of the garbage should be caught by the main filter. I could see that over a long enough period of time, it could get clogged regardless though but probably not within the normal lifetime of the car.

 

My understanding is that its a carbon filter to prevent emissions from comming out of the intake when the vehicle is off. Part of the ULEV II certification. No need to replace it unless it goes missing....

 

Yes, all the new cars have these, they prevent fumes from pcv from coming out through intake when the car has been turned off.

 

^^^