I thought I'd have an easy Saturday afternoon job in replacing the engine air filter in my 2005 RX. It turns out I loosened the two 10 mm bolts, but can't get the box open. The bolts don't come out all the way. Does anyone know the proper way to open the filter box? I'd really appreciate the help, or a place that might have the DIY information.

So much for a simple job!

Thanks in advance,
Carl

 

It has been a while since I did the filter on my 05 but, if I recall correctly, the screws don't come out all the way - they are captive. However, just because they don't come out all the way, doesn't mean that they are loose. Once loose, you just have to lift the lid of the box up and rotate it on its hinge. When I get home, I will look again and see if my recollection is correct.

 

I had both screws loose, but it appeared it would only come up about 1/16", as if something was still holding it from opening. It did look like the screw bracket was still holding it however, in some fashion. I'd say the screws were up to the point where they would not unscrew any higher, as they just kept turning.
I appreciate your checking further.

Carl

 

well I just did it last week. Its just 2 bolts. They wont come out because there is a washer on it that holds it and retains on the box. Just untighten it by using a ratchet. You may need a small mallet and tap the box.

Now screwing the back bolt next to the shock tower was a pain. It kept hitting that engine harness. Eventually it went in fine. I've never sweat this much putting a freaking air filter in.

 

Ok, I just went out, looked at my car, and refreshed my memory. I concur with benzo555. As I said earlier, the bolts are captive and will not come totally out but will release. The key to removing the filter cover in my instance was to loosen the clamp going from the large diameter rubber tube going to the throttle body. Once that was off of the cover, I was able to lift the cover up, pivoting on the hinges that are on the left side of the cover. If your cover hasn't been removed yet, it may be temporarily "bonded", almost a vulcanization type of bond. It WILL come free with some help.

Gary

 

Why did they design that freeking air filter that way, as if telling us, sweat, baby sweat!

 

Thanks guys! I'll give it another try tomorrow. It appears I've just not been pulling the end of the box up hard enough. I knew the screws were out as far as they'd go. I'll also loosen the air duct which should help.

Thanks again for your help,
Carl

 

the rubber on the filter edge is probably sticking the two plastic halves together. Get is started by prying a little with a screwdriver.

 

As I had said, it did pop up about 1/16" or so, but still something was holding it from coming up further. It appeared to me it was the screws, as it seemed they were still engaged with the nut they were screwed into. I felt positive I had unscrewed them fully, and then some. I even tried unscrewing them further. It may have been caused by the the air duct that the top of the box would not open more. If I still have a problem tomorrow, I'll try the screwdriver as you suggested.

Thanks

 

The vacuum lines are too short and become easily disconnected if the cover is moved extra inch.


What air filter brand is everyone using?

 

I used the Toyota 17801-OH010. I bought it from the Lexus dealer parts department on sale for 18.32 that included Ohio sales tax.

 

I went with FRAM air filer that purchased at the local auto parts store for $12. Like someone on here said, it didn't fit perfectly, so I had to remove the rubber gasket from it, and chip one of the corners off of it with scissors, and it fit ok.