Subaru WRX Forum banner
Cancel

Broke Bolt on Air Intake Box

7513 Views 12 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  WRX-maniac, 
W
2
Hello Friends,

I was changing the halogens in the C-light/boomerang in my '17 WRX to LED bulbs (from diode dynamics) and when I was unscrewing the air box, the bolt holding it snapped off. The end result is a half-way bolt with no nut on it and the air box is rather loose. How do I go about fixing this? I duct taped the air box for now in a temporary fix but Im scared it might come loose during my commute. Attached is the pic of the broken bolt and the C light after I put the LED in. Auto part Rim Tire Automotive wheel system Automotive tire
Headlamp Automotive lighting White Light Vehicle


So now what would my best course of action be. I must admit Im not a gear-head and at the same time I dont want to be ripped off by a chop shop to do (what i assume) is a relatively easy task.

Thanks friends,
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
kpeters
If you are trying to do it yourself, remove the airbox and drill the bolt out. If not, take it to a shop and have them do it. Shouldn't be more than a couple hours of labor and the cost of a new bolt.
Reply
Save
Like
W
I have to drill it out? It's not like a simple screw/unscrew situation? I guess I will have to take it to a shop then :\. What shop(s) would you recommend? Like a pepboy's or a body shop? Sorry if they're stupid questions, this was my first DIY and I botched it rather badly. A couple of hours of labor is expensive, no?
Reply
Save
Like
kpeters
I have a 2011 so my stock airbox is different than yours but the bolt is broken off inside what looks to be a shock mount (which my airbox doesnt have). Drilling out screws/bolts is pretty easy to do, just drill into the bolt and put the extractor in the hole you drilled and back it out (auto zone sells extraction kits for cheap).

If you aren't comfortable with it, don't try it because failing will only make it worse for whoever goes in behind you to get it out. Drilling bolts is a relatively routine procedure for any mechanic so anywhere that is reputable should be able to get it done. They would just have to pull the airbox to get a straight shot at the bolt shank with a drill. Labor costs depends on the shop. The airbox is easy to pull and like I said, drilling it is quick. Maybe somewhere in the neighborhood of $100-$150 out the door?

Don't feel bad about it, I've snapped a few bolts on my car. My first one was when I was pulling my intercooler and I snapped the bolt off in my turbo. That wasn't cool. These things happen from time to time.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
MainFrame
wewlad said:
I have to drill it out? It's not like a simple screw/unscrew situation?
Click to expand...

If you are able to unscrew it, by all means, do that. Lefty loosey... but with the head snapped off the bolt it might be hard to get a hold of it to unscrew.
Reply
Save
Like
W
kpeters said:
I have a 2011 so my stock airbox is different than yours but the bolt is broken off inside what looks to be a shock mount (which my airbox doesnt have). Drilling out screws/bolts is pretty easy to do, just drill into the bolt and put the extractor in the hole you drilled and back it out (auto zone sells extraction kits for cheap).

If you aren't comfortable with it, don't try it because failing will only make it worse for whoever goes in behind you to get it out. Drilling bolts is a relatively routine procedure for any mechanic so anywhere that is reputable should be able to get it done. They would just have to pull the airbox to get a straight shot at the bolt shank with a drill. Labor costs depends on the shop. The airbox is easy to pull and like I said, drilling it is quick. Maybe somewhere in the neighborhood of $100-$150 out the door?

Don't feel bad about it, I've snapped a few bolts on my car. My first one was when I was pulling my intercooler and I snapped the bolt off in my turbo. That wasn't cool. These things happen from time to time.
Click to expand...
Got it. Thanks lad.
Reply
Save
Like
WRX-maniac
Im not to sure about the 17's to give you a direct answer. But here is a link to the diagram of the intake on a 17 wrx.

AIR CLEANER & ELEMENT. AIR CLEANER.. Fits: 2017 Subaru WRX | Subaru Parts Online

It appears that there is a nut on the inside of the airbox do be able to remove it entirely and just buy that new piece. That link should have all the part numbers as well to give to your dealership to order it.
Reply
Save
Like
WRX-maniac
The previous diagram shows the inside components of the airbox. From what I can tell, that piece is most definitely just held on there by a nut.

In this diagram it shows the nut on the side that you broke off. Should be a easy and quick fix. Will just have to order the parts.

AIR CLEANER & ELEMENT. AIR DUCT.. Fits: 2017 Subaru WRX | Subaru Parts Online
Reply
Save
Like
WRX-maniac
Just because I am bored, I did the work for you.

The nut on the side you broke off:
Part #023806006 -Listed for $.80 cents from Subaru

The actual part with the rubber bushing on it. Listed as a "Cushion-Chamber"
Part #46022AE010 -Listed for $7.78

Just call your Subaru dealership and give them those part numbers, have them order them if they don't have them. Less than a 10 dollar fix. All oem and original.
Reply
Save
Like
W
WRX-maniac said:
Just because I am bored, I did the work for you.

The nut on the side you broke off:
Part #023806006 -Listed for $.80 cents from Subaru

The actual part with the rubber bushing on it. Listed as a "Cushion-Chamber"
Part #46022AE010 -Listed for $7.78

Just call your Subaru dealership and give them those part numbers, have them order them if they don't have them. Less than a 10 dollar fix. All oem and original.
Click to expand...
Oh wow! I was not on this forum for about a week because I assumed this thread would be dead but this changes everything! I'll most likely DIY it now because you've made it much simpler!! Thanks a lot dude!
By the way, would the "Cushion Chamber" Screw on and off like a regular screw? Or is there a bolt holding it from inside the airbox? And I assume the Nut would attach the airbox to the mounting bracket? Once again thanks for looking so in-depth into this.
Reply
Save
Like
WRX-maniac
Look at the diagram in my first post. Appears that the cushion piece will go through a hole with a nut attached on the other side. (inside of the airbox) Undo the nut, pull out the cushion piece, put the new one back in, attach the inside nut, then the outside nut and done.
Reply
Save
Like
W
2
Whew. I bought the parts for around ~$10 at my local dealership. I then went to a DIY auto garage and it took me ~10 minutes to finish the job. Thanks again!!
Auto part Machine Machine tool Automotive exterior Bumper
Tire Automotive tire Auto part Automotive wheel system Wheel
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
WRX-maniac
Glad I could help! :thumbup:
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Subaru WRX Forum
We invite you to join our Subaru Impreza WRX and STi community to discuss engine mods, builds, detailing, and more.
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Engine Modifications Everyday Impreza Talk General Maintenance, Troubleshooting & Accidents. Exterior & Appearance Comparison: WRX vs World
Top