Ok I have the C&L CAI and while installing it a few months ago one of the screws that hold the MAF sensor to the CAI snapped while being screwed in. The head of the screw came completely off, but enough of the screw is in the CAI to keep me from being able to remove it. I just wrapped that half of the MAF on with a zip tie but it's bugging me so I removed the C&L, and returned to stock for now..

What can I do to remove this screw without ruining the hole?!

 

I can't really tell. Is there enough to grab it with needle nose pliers? Or maybe drill it out.

 

your best bet is to either drill it and use an "easy out" or you could try to solder or epoxy something to it.
if you were close i could easy it out as ive probably got the most extensive collection of easy outs know to man. (thanks dad)

 

Been there done that. Except, I broke my screws by trying to use the factory screws (got it used, had no instructions or warnings about factory screws...had no C&L screws either). Bought a new MAF sensor housing from C&L for about $80.

 

^^Yes I used the factory screws...

Why did you need a new MAF sensor housing though? The screw is in the CAI for me..

 

Can't get it out with needle nose pliers. The screw is practically flush with the metal...

What kind of drill bit would I use?

 

it depends on what size the screw is and what size the easy out is... im sorry i would need to to look at it to tell you.. go to the tool store of your preference and go look at easy outs.. get a small one in a set.. youll use it over and over. and use the right sized bit for that out.
too bad your not local or i would pull that bastard s=crew out for you

 

haha thanks man

 

seriously go to your favourite tool store(s) and ask for easy outs. Buy a big set with a bunch of small ones as thats what you need. All you do is drill hole (whatever is relavent to the size of the easy out and then tap (smack, depending on size) in the easy out and then spin it out. Its easy as pie and a must for any DIY guy.
I assure you it will solve your problem if done right without getting a new MAF and hey you get a tool you'll use over and over out of it too!

 

Go to your hardware store and buy a screw extractor. It looks like this http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...0P?vName=Tools. Get the smallest one they have. Its a tapered and reverse threaded bit that screws itself into the broken screw. Since its reverse threaded, the harder you turn counterclockwise to loosen the screw, the harder the tool grips the screw to pull it out.

If the screw extractor doesn't work, you will probably have to drill it out and re-tap the hole with a slightly larger size. Next time don't tighten so much. Get yourself some blue loctite an put a small drop on the threads and you won't have to worry about it loosening up, but its not so strong that you won't be able to remove the screw.