broken tabs on air filter box?????

[blackfields57]

Am I the only one this happened to? I searched forums to no avail.



I have an 07, and the tabs and slots on the air filter box are broken or cracked. I don't believe it is letting in any air after the filter, but to make sure I had to use some C-clamps to hold the box closed. What is the best way to make sure no dust or dirt got in past the filter?



It is $140 to replace the box with a new one. I think I am better off with an aftermarket replacement. Any suggestions?? Thanks.

 

[jelag]

I have an 04, 04. 5, 05 and 08 and almost 3/4 million miles between the trucks... none have this problem... we've had the same guy do the lube, oil filters changes for us during all this time... . one of our employee's... he's not had a problem... . some filter stick and he has to pry them off...

When its below 20 *F outside we park the truck inside overnight before the service and drain the oil the first thing in the morning... .

 

[blackfields57]

Would temp. have anything to do with it then? I live at 8000 feet, and winters are darned cold. I drive up to Carson City Nevada for servicing, and even there it's still pretty cold in the winters.

 

[LRutigliano]

Am I the only one this happened to? I searched forums to no avail.



I have an 07, and the tabs and slots on the air filter box are broken or cracked. I don't believe it is letting in any air after the filter, but to make sure I had to use some C-clamps to hold the box closed. What is the best way to make sure no dust or dirt got in past the filter?



It is $140 to replace the box with a new one. I think I am better off with an aftermarket replacement. Any suggestions?? Thanks.

The dealer is taking advantage of you if he is charging $140 for the base... Take a look here and you can get an entire new lower base with a cold air kit flange already attached for $60 !! Performance Systems Manufacturing, LLC



I experimented with my base by drilling holes in it for more air. After not being satisfied with the outcome, I ended up buying a new base and it was less than $50.



The tabs in the cover and the slots in the base are used to hold them together on the backside of the assembly. If you broke only one, then its probably no big deal, but if you broke 2, 3 or all 4, then it could be an issue. A few c-clamps would take of the problem, but this is pretty Mickey Mouse.



You have a 2007 truck... why not try to get it covered under warranty??



Also, this may just be good karma or an excuse to upgrade to any of the aftermarket air filter systems. This is just my opinion, but the PSM Buick system is the best out there for airflow and cold air for your engine. Go here for more technical info: Performance Systems Manufacturing, LLC



There are many, many aftermarket systems out there and its a personal preference, aFe, S&B, Banks, AEM Brute Force, TDI, Volant... they have pros/cons and its a matter of your opinion and your budget.



BTW - Ambient temp would definately have something to do with this. The base and cover appear to be glass filled PP. This material is brittle to start with and lower temps just increase its brittleness. The "glass" is fiberglass strands and they increase the strength of the base material substantially, but the offset is that its less ductile. One way to prevent this from occuring again is to lightly coat the male tabs of the cover with WD-40 prior to installation. This will help ease the pieces together as you are trying to assemble it.



Good luck.

Louis

 

[blackfields57]

They want $140 for the base and lid, since the slots are broken on the base, and there is one tab broken on the lid.

$60 sounds good for the base, but it says with purchase of a cold air kit (another $99)

Thanks for the idea, I'll try get it warrantied, if not does anyone have a stock box they aren't using???????

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

If its the same as 03-04, I have a spare, or can get you an aFe if you prefer.

 

[Bob4x4]

I have the new fully enclosed AFE set up and have been very impressed with

the way it fits and works. It's worked in the sand and dirt up here in the states and gone through all kinds of terrain in Baja.



Bob