Okay, quick backstory. A week or so ago, I went to replace the air filter on my 2006 Honda CR-V. I noticed one of the screws on the housing a) didn't need to be loosened, and b) would refuse to be tightened. No problem. I simply ordered a new screw off the internet.

Trying to replace it today, I noticed two problems. First, there's some tiny metal or plastic cylinder attached to threads of the problem screw (preventing it from going into its companion hole). Second, another screw is badly stripped, preventing me from loosening it altogether and removing the housing so I can get a better look.

What can I do about this? I need an answer fast because in a few hours, my girlfriend is coming over and we are using the car to drive around 700 miles this week for the holidays. I don't want to drive that much with a leak in my air cleaner.

Can anyone help? Have you heard of this problem before? What can I do?

Thanks.

Edit: Here's a picture of the problem screw: https://imgur.com/a/G4Z8k

 

It is a well nut. Get a pair of pliers to hold the well nut, then remove the bolt.

You may need to use something to keep the well nut in place in the housing afterwards, like tubing, etc.

 

I tried to remove it by holding the well nut with pliers and turning the screw. The two are locked together too tight. Will WD-40 loosen it?

 

Try using the WD-40 as it may be due to corrosion.