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I went to change the engine air filter for my wife's 2010 RDX yesterday, and after removing 3 of the 4 screws that holds the top of the cover down, I noticed that for the 4th screw the plastic broke and the screw is stuck in, but when I reach around with my fingers I noticed there is a small gap that could allow air in (I temporarily duck taped this area). It appears that a prior owner couldnt get this 4th screw off, and tried to raise the cover enough to fit the air filter in, but raised it too high and snapped the plastic of that corner.
At this time, how urgent is it for me to replace the housing? Also, does anyone have a DIY on how to replace the top cover and the bottom pieces?
So it's probably not critical as the gap you're referring to is still in front of the MAF (so no unmetered air will enter the system), and it's so small and isolated that only a small amount of dust may find its way in - nothing that can potentially damage engine components. Over the long haul your oil may get dirty just a bit faster, that's about it.
As for a DIY, I'm not aware of one but removing the battery will likely give you all the working room you need. Always an opportunity for you to make your own DIY for the rest of us!
So it's probably not critical as the gap you're referring to is still in front of the MAF (so no unmetered air will enter the system), and it's so small and isolated that only a small amount of dust may find its way in - nothing that can potentially damage engine components. Over the long haul your oil may get dirty just a bit faster, that's about it.
As for a DIY, I'm not aware of one but removing the battery will likely give you all the working room you need. Always an opportunity for you to make your own DIY for the rest of us!
Thanks Tom, I'm not very handy so no DIY for me
I am glad to know that the small gap where the plastic broke around that screw is not critical, as the air filter box is sitting pretty much flush except around that part. I will probably deal with it in another 30k miles when the engine air filter needs to be changed again. Thanks!