how to clean throttle body on 2005 equinox

Hi all,

I just bought a 2005 Equinox and the Throttle Body looks really dirty. I'm trying to remove it but the bypass rail is in the way. I tried to pry it a way with a screw driver but it would only go so far. I'm I missing out on something???

Thanx in advance! :)

Hi all,

I just bought a 2005 Equinox and the Throttle Body looks really dirty. I'm trying to remove it but the bypass rail is in the way. I tried to pry it a way with a screw driver but it would only go so far. I'm I missing out on something???

Thanx in advance! :)
The bypass rail is bolted to the throttle body. Did you remove the nut that holds it on?

The bypass rail is bolted to the throttle body. Did you remove the nut that holds it on?

Yes I did, but the rail will not go over the studs. Do I have to remove the whole rail??

Yes I did, but the rail will not go over the studs. Do I have to remove the whole rail??

Just remove the studs. That's far easier than messing with the coolant rail. The correct size for the studs is a really small E?? socket (reverse Torx), but I used a regular 4mm hex socket when I cleaned the throttlebody on our Equinox. The service manual says you must replace the studs if you remove them, but I see no reason to do this if they don't appear to be damaged after removal. The manual says they only need to be torqued to 53 lbs-in. If you tighten them up a touch over snug that will be plenty tight; likewise for the throttle body nuts.

Thank you , I picked up some e_sockets at Harbor freight!