Air Filter. Recommendations?

[xephornite]

Hey guys I have 2004 Aveo. I was looking to replace my air filter, but the problem is, I cant get the screws off the cover as they are probably stripped. Is there a solution to get this cover off without damaging the casing that the filter sits in? Or am I gonna have to go barbaric on the thing, bust it to pieces and go to a junkyard and get a new one to replace it? any help would be greatly appreciated. Also I havent replaced the air filter since I've had the car for a little over 2 years now. So whoever took it out before me must've messed the screws up putting it back on. And after I get the cover open what kind of screws do I need to replace the ones I have? Thanks!

[Davescort97]

Welcome to Automotive Forums.

I've had a problem with the screws, too. When it was taken to the Quik Lube for an oil change they did their 21 point check and didnt get one of the Air Filter screws out before pulling the top of the filter housing off. They broke off one of the corners of the filter housing.

I am wondering if they head of the screws are stripped making the phillips head screwdriver slip or if the threads on the screw are stripped? If the heads are screwed up just get a new phillips head screwdriver, put it on the head of the screw and tap it a couple times with a hammer and then try to turn it counter clockwise to get them off. If the threads are stripped making the screw turn but not coming out, put something under the screw and pry upwards as you turn the screw. You may have to go to the junk yard to get a housing.

Your air filter should be all right unless you have been driving on a dirt road behind somebody making lots of dust. I have an 05 with 36k and my filter looks like new.

This is a new one for me. I have never heard of the Air Filter housing scews being stripped. Post back and let me know what is stripped. Dave

[Davescort97]

Take the housing off and use a pair of needle nose pliers to get them out.

[MagicRat]

If you are very careful, you can use a drill and drill off the heads of the stripped screws without damaging the plastic. This will leave the shaft in place. You can lift the cover off and easily unscrew the shafts with vice grips.

[xephornite]

thanks for the suggestions guys. I'm gonna try it soon and when I do i'll let ya know the results. Though, I have a distinct feeling that a trip to the junkyard is called for. Problem is, its hard to find my car in a junkyard

oh well, heres to nothing!

*frollics off*

[vladintool]

There is a problem with nut molded into the lower part of case.
It rusted with the screw and rotate together. Try to hold this nut over the plastic with parallel (toolmakers) clamp or with grip-vise pliers. I've got this problem and overcome it this way. Good luck to you. BTW, taking housing off make this job much easier.
Vlad