If it's air lock, tilt the filter 45 degrees to remove air. Is the inlet taking in air or there is a loose connection between the hose & the inlet which sucks in a little air thus resulting in the sound?
Have you tried cleaning the impeller area too? It's good to give it a wipe once in a while as scum builds up reducing efficiency.( Has nothing to do with the air )
If you can see air bubbles coming up from the outlet near the filter before reaching the diffuser, it could be air.
Cheers!
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