I like to do my own maintenance work on my cars. I have a 2005 RX330 and last weekend I tried to replace the air filter. The replacement I bought which was a Fram brand was difficult to push in and seat properly. It seemed to be a little too thick around the edge and it is difficult to replace the cover. In trying to force it to close, I ended up stripping the little bolt on the front side. Now I am unsure of what to do. The bolt looks too tricky to take off completely in order to replace. Am I the first one to encounter this problem and what is the best way to deal with it?

Cheer!

 

Hence, the OEM filter is better for use. The aftermarket can be a tad bigger. I had the same issue, when I replaced mine. It is a beatch to get the halves to close in. After some practice, and some bruises, you'll get used to it. Sorry that you had to strip a bolt. Use OEM filter next time. We have good OEM Lexus vendors here who sell the OEM filters cheaper than the crappy FRAM.