I have had this filter sitting around for awhile, so I thought I would put it on. Why is the rear clip on the air box such a bitch to get fastened again? Is there a secret to this?

 

How about pushing on the bowed part of the clip with a flat blade screwdriver- when I changed my filter, I remember doing it that way- it can be tight to get your fingers in there or exert enough pressure to get the clip to engage.

 

Well my dumbass just broke off the rear clip(toward the windshield) with too much force on my part I guess. How much is that going to cost to replace, and now will not having that rear clip not make for a good seal? Will water be able to get in? Not looking forward to explaining this one to the service guy at the dealer.

 

wow you went about it all wrong I am sorry to say. you snap on back part first and then pull front over the plastic lip and then snap on metal brackets. if you just broke off one of the clips and the other 3 are connected you should be fine. if you hear some sucking or whistling sounds then you might want to see if dealer has any clips or get a new airbox or better yet now you have an excuse to get a CAI!!!

 

There arent any metal brackets...all plastic.

 

there should be metal clips/brackets that snap over the plastic. at lease there are on my 99, maybe 00-03's are different.

 

my bad, i am thinking about my wifes corolla, we have 4 bolts that secure airbox down. 3 is plenty you will be fine if you broke one. i broke one also and am missing another bolt so other have 2 connected and everything is fine.

 

Yeah, there are two screws on one side and two snaps on the other. Now after some modfying, I only have one snap.