Can someone please, please, please tell me how to remove the two plastic "ball & socket" screws used to retain the lower air box? I have spent way too much time turning them; CW, CCW, turning while applying upward force, tickling them, etc, but nothing I've tried has succeeded in removing or loosening them in the least. What's the secret? If my description confused you, take a look at the attachement.

Thanks!

 

OK, I've found enough pictures around (mostly in Randy Webb's DIYs) to tell me that they should simply unscrew. So, mine must be corroded or otherwise seized. The plastic portion spins relatively freely without moving the threaded portion. Nothing is ever easy with this car!

Still, if anyone knows differently, please let me know.

 

I have removed them before, but I don't remember there being a trick to it, sorry I can't help anymore

 

Are you fitting you wrench (15mm I think) on the hex at thr very bottom of the ball-stud?

Jim

 

The “nut” the studs screw into are only pressed in, threaded, ribbed, inserts. Yours have probably have lost their securing grasp within the plastic partition. I had one do that, and I squared off two sides of the insert from below and used needle nosed vise-grips to hold in place while unscrewing the plastic stud. I used a file to shape a 8mm hexagonal opening where the insert used to be, and placed a 5mm (ID) flared hex nut (the same used to secure the hood scoop), hex side from underneath, so the flare would create a backing stop against the partition’s shelf. The air box has been removed many times (the studs a few times) since then and the stud has continued to be secure. I’m sure there is a less time consuming approach, but it was what I had on hand at the time.