So....I am getting pumped up to my own plug change on my 05 ES330. I'm pretty adept at general mechanical stuff and have studied every single posting and video on the task I could find.
So, I thought I would do a sort of dry run to see if I might encounter any issues before I tear into the thing.
As far as removing the left hand ( facing ) 14mm bolt that holds the air intake plennum I have a 14 mm ratching swivel head wrench. I think I can remove the bolt o.k but have no idea how I could ever replace the bolt afterwards. I have freakishly large hands and there is absolutely no way I can get them in behind. Any tips? I would hate to have to admit defeat and take it to the dealer.
Thanks

 

Here's my writeup:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...placement.html


That 14mm bolt is over-rated IMO. I was able to get mine in and out without much trouble. Tie a string to it when putting it in, so if it falls you don't lose it. Loosen the hanger from the bottom of the engine to give you some play when reinstalling it to the plenum.

 

Did you attack the bolt from the passenger side or drivers side. Maybe that is my problem.

 

I've got fairly big hands too, I had real trouble with those bolts. It's do-able though, just unclip various things to get better access, there's couple of things in the way.