I'm trying to get to the air filter, but the air filter box won't open. All the screws were rusted pretty tight: some WD-40 and some elbow grease took care of most of them but there's one persistent little guy that won't go away. The screw is probably damaged, because while it will turn, it won't come up. I tried pressing up against the bottom end that protrudes out of the edge with a second screwdriver, but no luck. Any tips?
based on all your other issues, put on a CAI.
to fix this you will probably need to drill out the screw honestly.
Drilling it out would be a last resort.Originally Posted by petrified.rabbit
You didn't say what year your Aveo is. On mine (2009) the box is plastic and the screws have a Philips head. The problem with drilling out the screw is that if it is stripped, it may turn itself while you are drilling it. Also, it's a metal screw into plastic - I don't recall whether the box has a threaded metal insert or whether it is threaded directly into the plastic of the box itself.
Try this: Using a small set of Vise-grip pliers, lock onto the screw head. Pull upward on the screw, exerting pressure as you turn it.
Last edited by Thymeclock; 07-17-2013 at 02:34 AM.
My '04's was a total mess. I actually had to unbolt the air filter box and disconnect at the throttle body. Put it on the work bench and had to carefully drillout 2 or 3 of them. Just to find the filter had not been changed in a very long time.
Last edited by PoisonIvy; 07-17-2013 at 04:39 AM.
Mine is an '04. Plastic box, philips head screws. I don't recall seeing a metal thread when I took the other screws out, so I think the plastic is threaded, but I'm not sure. I'll try the vice grip, but I fear there's still enough thread on the screw to prevent it from being pulled out directly, yet not enough to make it come out when you turn it. As a last resort, I wonder if cutting off the head and then trying to turn the protruding end clockwise would make it come out of the bottom.
I'm guessing I'm going to look at a very dirty filter too, once I finally get it open. I doubt anyone has gotten that thing open to replace a filter for a long time. Debating wether I should just order the filter in advance, just so I can replace it immediately once I do get the box open.
One thing I do know: I'm replacing all the screws in this thing.
when you replace them get a higher grade bolt and put some antiseize on them.. I am not sure if the plastic part matters.. it should not. but it will keep the threads "loose"
If it is threaded into plastic (as I think it is) the metal screw will thread itself out as you turn it. If not, at worst with enough pressure exerted upon it, it will strip the threads out of the plastic. Under force, steel trumps plastic...
That might be the harder route to take.As a last resort, I wonder if cutting off the head and then trying to turn the protruding end clockwise would make it come out of the bottom.
Hence "last resort". I'll definitely try the vice grip/brute force method first.If all fails and I irreperably ruin the threading in the plastic, I can also just tie-wrap that thing down tightly.
No, there are other choices. You could use a tap to thread the plastic to a larger thread size and use different machine screws. Or you could use self-tapping sheet metal screws.Hence "last resort". I'll definitely try the vice grip/brute force method first.
i have a funny feeling the factory screws are that really soft tin/aluminum screws, hence why the strip so easily.
But thymeclock is on the money with the repair. You could also try a cleco fastener if you found one that fit.
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