RX3 air filter cover screw removal.

Meloman · 12-31-2018, 11:47 PM

Just finishing up my 2500 mile service and can’t figure out how to get the damn rear lower screw out of the air filter cover. It’s behind the frame. I’m ready to cut around it unless someone knows the secret on how to get it out.

rjmorel · 01-01-2019, 02:52 AM

That's the first screw I left off on purpose on my 2015 once I got it out. Been awhile since I looked at the cover but I think there's 3 more to hold it on. rj

rjmorel · 01-01-2019, 02:57 AM

I cant remember but I may of loosened or taken out the screws that hold the air filter box to the frame and pried the box to where I could just get the screw out from behind the frame. Not a good design. rj

NzBrakelathes · 01-01-2019, 06:57 AM

I recall it being a pain but can just manage

fjmartin · 01-03-2019, 12:52 AM

I had to use an 90 degree slim fit screwdriver to get to it. It was too long and hit the frame as I removed it and cut it off. I then put in a much shorter screw when I was done.

3banger · 01-04-2019, 11:32 PM

I just used a 90 degree driver to get out the first time and have just left it out ever since.

Juanro · 01-05-2019, 07:06 PM

I guess the are some tolerances in this? I can remove all five screws fine, the rearmost one requieres a long screwdriver (specially with the lugage rack in place) but I can take it out and put it back again easyly.

dannybiker · 01-22-2019, 07:15 PM

I did exactly the same thing. There was simply no way to get it back without breaking the airbox.
Thanks for making me feel less like a backwoods mechanic

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjmorel

That's the first screw I left off on purpose on my 2015 once I got it out. Been awhile since I looked at the cover but I think there's 3 more to hold it on. rj

calvarez · 01-23-2019, 11:06 AM

This is all easier if you use proper JIS screwdrivers also, instead of trying to jam a Philips in there.

sqwert · 01-23-2019, 12:30 PM

Good point, Calvarez. Most folks don't know that there are Phillips, Reed and Prince, Frearson, and about a dozen other 4-blade cross-point screw types before you get to Japanese Industrial Standard. In most cases, any one drive does not properly fit screws intended for another, so huge risks of rounding or breaking screw heads.

Meloman · 01-25-2019, 11:59 AM

I ended up loosening it with a needle nose pliers and backing it out until it hit the frame. Then I used a small chisel to cut the bottom of the screw hole so there was still enough left above the screw to tighten against. Now I just remove the other screws, loosen the bottom one and lift the cover off of it.
I understand that Zongshen redesigned the air box on the RX4 so that it’s easier to get to all the screws.

12-31-2018, 11:47 PM	#1
Meloman Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Applegate, Oregon Posts: 101	RX3 air filter cover screw removal. Just finishing up my 2500 mile service and can’t figure out how to get the damn rear lower screw out of the air filter cover. It’s behind the frame. I’m ready to cut around it unless someone knows the secret on how to get it out.
	0

01-01-2019, 02:52 AM	#2
rjmorel Join Date: May 2007 Location: Warshington Posts: 928	That's the first screw I left off on purpose on my 2015 once I got it out. Been awhile since I looked at the cover but I think there's 3 more to hold it on. rj __________________ Live Zong, and Prosper
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01-01-2019, 02:57 AM	#3
rjmorel Join Date: May 2007 Location: Warshington Posts: 928	I cant remember but I may of loosened or taken out the screws that hold the air filter box to the frame and pried the box to where I could just get the screw out from behind the frame. Not a good design. rj __________________ Live Zong, and Prosper
	0

01-03-2019, 12:52 AM	#5
fjmartin Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Redmond, WA. Posts: 534	I had to use an 90 degree slim fit screwdriver to get to it. It was too long and hit the frame as I removed it and cut it off. I then put in a much shorter screw when I was done. __________________ 2017 BMW F800GS Adventure
	0

01-01-2019, 06:57 AM	#4
NzBrakelathes Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Hell Posts: 2,408	I recall it being a pain but can just manage
	0

01-04-2019, 11:32 PM	#6
3banger Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 159	I just used a 90 degree driver to get out the first time and have just left it out ever since.
	0

01-05-2019, 07:06 PM	#7
Juanro Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 321	I guess the are some tolerances in this? I can remove all five screws fine, the rearmost one requieres a long screwdriver (specially with the lugage rack in place) but I can take it out and put it back again easyly.
	1

01-23-2019, 11:06 AM	#9
calvarez Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 334	This is all easier if you use proper JIS screwdrivers also, instead of trying to jam a Philips in there.
	1

01-23-2019, 12:30 PM	#10
sqwert Join Date: Jun 2017 Posts: 382	Good point, Calvarez. Most folks don't know that there are Phillips, Reed and Prince, Frearson, and about a dozen other 4-blade cross-point screw types before you get to Japanese Industrial Standard. In most cases, any one drive does not properly fit screws intended for another, so huge risks of rounding or breaking screw heads.
	1

01-25-2019, 11:59 AM	#11
Meloman Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Applegate, Oregon Posts: 101	I ended up loosening it with a needle nose pliers and backing it out until it hit the frame. Then I used a small chisel to cut the bottom of the screw hole so there was still enough left above the screw to tighten against. Now I just remove the other screws, loosen the bottom one and lift the cover off of it. I understand that Zongshen redesigned the air box on the RX4 so that it’s easier to get to all the screws.
	0