I was changing my air filter- and I lost (aka dropped) the bolt (that I thought couldn't be taken off). Any suggestions in terms of how to replace the bolt so the air filter compartment is tightly secured? (2007 RX 350).
Thanks!

 

Are you sure the bolt didn't just break off before you dropped it? Check out this posting, it might be of some help:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ken-bolts.html

 

hate to admit it, but i have dropped that very bolt about 3-4 times, it has always landed on the plastic skid plate under the engine. all i do is lay on the ground and bang/tap the plastic piece til it falls on the floor. usually one hit will do it, but it does always fall out.

or drive to dealer and order new one

 

This happened to me too. I was like, s___ these bolts aren't supposed to come out of the cover!

 

It's not a big deal. I dropped mine too. Some bad engineering on Lexus' part. Just get another matching bolt.

 

If you go to the auto parts store you can get an magnet that extends. I have one. You can order online as well. Its great for when you drop bolts in the car and its somewhere on top the plastic cover.

Good luck!

http://www.google.com/products?q=ext...ed=0CDcQrQQwAA

 

Thanks for all your help! Glad to hear I am not alone on this one. Me Lexus dealer has ordered me the part- sort of (after suggesting he part was only available as a package with the air filter housing-$300). The part he ordered was the bolt that holds the air filter to the car, and NOT the bolt that I actually lost(the one that hold the top and bottom of filter housing.) Wasn't able to find the lost bolts with the tapping method- although I can I feel it there!

 

Yeah, bad engineering. I've owned Hondas and Acuras for over 20 years and never had a bolt fall out.

 

Glad you found a replacement; good news is if this is your only boneheaded move for the next 10 years, then you're in great shape.

 

I just ran into that problem today! Stupid rear bolt must have fallen out 3 times when I was trying to put the top back on. Couldn't find it again after the third drop so I replaced with the one near the front of the car and temporarily replaced the fronts with another bolt and washer.

 

I found that those cylindrical spacers get stuck if you over loosen the bolts on removal and keep the threads from entering the hole in the bottom of the airbox. Had I known that, I probably would have had a much easier time re-installing.

 

Tommewin-do you happen to know the size of the bolt that fit? Thanks

 

I used a spare M5 0.8, 16mm bolt I had laying around. It has a 8mm head, I need to find one that's a 10mm.

 

Local hardware stores are great for this. I was able to find stainless steel nuts & bolts that disappeared in the engine bay for my cars for pennies.