simple question for those of you with a brain


Had a service at a well known local 4x4 independent last week, like many on here, I know my car, and know what it should sound like, so when I drove it away from the garage, the engine tone was different, it sounded rather 'raspy' my immediate thought was exhaust is damaged

however on getting home, it appears its the air filter box, if you press down on it , the extra grunty noise goes away, it appears 2 screws on the filter box are not screwing in, the lid just lifts at the front.

Anyone else ever noticed this? I am guessing the answer is a new air filter box, or a bigger screw, any other ideas ? 2017 SEAT Ateca 4drive 2.0 xcellence (May 2022 -
2007 HSE with HST bodykit in Zermatt Silver 169,700 miles (dec 2016 - May 2022 )
2007 Honda Civic Type S GT (2012-2017)
2002 Mini Cooper S (2008-2012)
1992 Honda Legend 3.2i (2003-2008)
1990 Honda Concerto (1999-2003)
1985 Honda Accord (1997-1999)
1983 Honda Accord (1993-1997)
1983 Mini Mayfair (1988-1993)
1974 Mini 1000 (1979-1986)

The self tapping screws are often over-tightened and strip the threads out. There are various solutions to this. On my car I drilled out the plastic and put in Helicoil thread inserts. Now the filter box is held on by stainless Hex screws. Much better!

Another solution I saw somewhere the other day was to put the tail of a cable tie down the hole, cut off flush and screw the screw in as normal - job done.

Cheap fix for stripped nylon threads, which is not uncommon!

Cut up some some small cable ties to the length of the thread depth, drop in the holes & then refit the cover. Do NOT over tighten screws.

Beat me to it Aveling  (Now Sold). 2008 Freelander 2 (Nazca Sand) SE TD4 Auto. Statutory write off & on WOVR for hail damage but still road legal.
171037Km as of 09/05/22
Superchips Bluefin Flash
Nanocom Evo II (also sold)

great answers . . . . .I am off to try cable tie trick now

 2017 SEAT Ateca 4drive 2.0 xcellence (May 2022 -
2007 HSE with HST bodykit in Zermatt Silver 169,700 miles (dec 2016 - May 2022 )
2007 Honda Civic Type S GT (2012-2017)
2002 Mini Cooper S (2008-2012)
1992 Honda Legend 3.2i (2003-2008)
1990 Honda Concerto (1999-2003)
1985 Honda Accord (1997-1999)
1983 Honda Accord (1993-1997)
1983 Mini Mayfair (1988-1993)
1974 Mini 1000 (1979-1986)

Glue a wall plug in , trim it flush , use a self tapper . Job done neatly . 2009 GS Auto Zermatt Silver - Sold June 21 after 10 years of ownership

2016 Subaru Outback SE 2.0 diesel SE Premium Lineartronic Sold 2024 after 8 years and 80k miles . Best Car I ever owned !

2023 Toyota Hilux invincible X 2.8 Auto
2024 Renault Clio Alpine e-tech .

Or superglue the cover down for a permanent job

UPDATE : - cable tie idea enabled the front 2 screws to be tightened and problem solved, many thanks for input.






CASE CLOSED  2017 SEAT Ateca 4drive 2.0 xcellence (May 2022 -
2007 HSE with HST bodykit in Zermatt Silver 169,700 miles (dec 2016 - May 2022 )
2007 Honda Civic Type S GT (2012-2017)
2002 Mini Cooper S (2008-2012)
1992 Honda Legend 3.2i (2003-2008)
1990 Honda Concerto (1999-2003)
1985 Honda Accord (1997-1999)
1983 Honda Accord (1993-1997)
1983 Mini Mayfair (1988-1993)
1974 Mini 1000 (1979-1986)