I can't get the air filter housing off the engine so I can replace the cam timing solenoid and spark plugs. There are three torx T25 screws- two in the front (with sheet metal clips over them) and one in back. The one in back can be unscrewed, but it stays in the rubber bushing. The two in front are not accessible to any tool to remove them. I have cleaned and lubed the grommets to try to remove the grommets over the screw head, but they are hardened from age (10 years) and heat. The grommets won't budge at all. I don't want to damage the housing by prying on it. I have investigated other posts here and other sites. Also looked in Chilton manual but no help. I am open to suggestions. Thanks.

 

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...rbox-ss-56180/

Basically, you take off the clips, the ductwork, and the MAF connector. Then pop off the housing. The grommets will most likely be destroyed. GM part number 25920906.

The torx mounting studs stay in place.

 

Yes, you will need to pry up on the box especially in the front. Also, it appears GM didn’t put clips on the rear post on many cars.

 

Wow. What a coincidence. I just finished the same thing about an hour ago. BUT, I knew the housing was a pain to get off so I did a little modding to it while it was off. Drilled some access holes so I can get a #30 torx driver on all 3 screws now.

I'll do a mini "How To" later since I took some pics.

 

I got the housing off. Unscrewed the rear torx screw out of the engine with the grommet still in the housing. Then pried the 2 front hardened grommets off with a screwdriver which destroyed them. Still couldn't pull the housing off the front screws, so used a crowbar to pry it off.

Replaced the plugs and intake cam solenoid. Runs great! Disconnected the battery and now the CEL is out (after two years! but now I miss the CEL!). But I will get over it.

Thanks for all the help.

 

Talk about a weird coincidence! I just did this exact thing last weekend! I had to replace the two CMP solenoids and to get to them, you have to remove the filter box. I also replaced the plugs while I had it off.

Here's the thing. Those rubber grommets are subject to doing two things over the years of heat and age.They either deteriorate or they turn to freaking stone!

I ended up having to use a hammer and flat blade screw driver to break them into little pieces so they would come out of there.
I had read that if you soaked them in lube or soapy water it was easier, but there was no hope for mine.
Once I got the clips off, it took about an hour of careful chipping before I could get the sucker off.

I ordered replacement grommets from a Chevy dealer in AZ (only decent price I could find on the internet anywhere) for about $4 each.
After I placed the order, I decided to see what state they were in on the panel and found it had none in there.
I guess the previous owner had had to pull it and hadn't bothered to replace them. So I increased the order and am waiting for two sets.

Anyone who needs some, here is the link for the best deal on the 'Net!
Replacement Air Cleaner Insulators

 

I keep a handful of the grommets on hand. They will last a couple of years at best. Taking the airbox off does them no good. I just accept that I need to have spares on hand. Could be one of the few places poly makes some sense!

 

The grommets on mine are the originals and are in fine shape. They are intact, no cracks and the rubber is still soft and pliable.
Guess I just got lucky.

 

As in many other ways, I think we make our own "luck."
George, you probably just take better care of your stuff than many.
I will be lubricating my replacements before installation, so they will stay pliable.

 

I would think that the more the engine is operated, the more the insulators are exposed to the heat of the engine, the faster they deteriorate.