air tube issue and a question

[MrT]

Today I replaced the fram air filter in the 2002 sle with a purolator pure air filter. When I had the front of the air box off, looked inside the air tube and noticed that a section of foam insulation around the tube where it enters the fender was loose and blocking about 25% of the area of the tube. I did not remove the air box to repair, instead I slid my hand and arm down the air tube and was able to tuck the foam insulation back in place around the opening of the tube. For those of you like myself that have kept the standard air box in place it is a good idea to check for this when you change your air filter. I have a noticeable increase in preformance when accerlating at highway speeds, above 60mph.

Also I have a question since I have plastic plugs at the normal places on the front end where you would expect to find grease fittings. I want to replace the plugs with fittings so I can lube the front end. Are these fitting the standard 1/4 inch?

Thanks

[Ken_W]

Thanks for the air tube tip -- will check when replacing my air filters.

As for the fittings; these cars were made with "maintenance free" non-servicible tie rods, knuckles, spindles, etc. I'm not sure what those plastic things are that you are seeing, but to my knowledge there are no zerk fittings on a 00-05 Bonne with all-original parts. The only way to get parts with zerk fittings is when you replace the originals (if you buy such, and do not buy more non-servicible ones, which are usually a little cheaper) or if a previous owner replaced parts with servicible ones.

Ken

[Edit: those plastic things could be caps over the brake bleeder ports?]

[MrT]

Thanks Ken!!!

MrT