replacing air filter

when replacing the air filter on my 02 can I take off what I think is a torsion bar that runs across it?It would make it a hell of alot easier to change the air filter.

when replacing the air filter on my 02 can I take off what I think is a torsion bar that runs across it?It would make it a hell of alot easier to change the air filter.
It's easier to simply remove the flex tube from the fuel injector inlet
(top of engine) ie, remove the hose clamp, and then slide the top of the filter box from under the engine strut (torsion bar). It requires a bit of wiggling, but might be simpler than removing the strut.
Tip - once you have the top of the filter box off, be sure to clean out the box itself...could be lots of junk in there, and ensure that the heat sink for the electonics housed inside the box, are clean and free of debris. Good luck!

But if you do remove the reinforcement bar, be careful when re-installing the bolts - it is very easy to strip the threads on the body!!