i remember when i was replacing the throttle bodies. it was a b*tch until i got a screwdriver with a flexible extension. it saved me lots of time and nerves.

 

i removed mine today by prying it with a "homemade" pry-bar.

 

it will come off i had to pry the heck outta mine and its a 02, I didnt have to loosen the bottom clamps but it was so stuck in there I Thought I was missing some screws but you gotta give her hell, almost hurts you to do that to a aluminum cylinder head>|!

 

yeah. you dont have to remove both clamps on the thing...just one. I prefer the bottom. Once they are loose, pry each side evenly and the throttle body should slowly come off.

im surprised that no one has complained about how hard it is to put the throttle body back on. I have to use a block of wood and a hammer to get it seated all the way back down again. It helps if you use some dry lube, which is great for when you have to remove the throttle body again.

 

+1 for hair dryer

Mine also won't budge last night, just now I was able to remove it with hair dryer on max setting

 

I recently removed the throttle body while replacing the CCTL. It was a serious PITA until I figured out that instead of trying to directly lift the throttle body off, it was much easier to use a slight forward and backward rocking motion while lifting. The rocking motion is similar to how you would slip your heel into a shoe. Also make sure you don't grab the fuel rail when removing the throttle as you may damage it. I ended up holding onto the body by the port holes.

When it comes to putting them back on, a little bit of engine oil really helps slip it back on. The service manual also recommends putting just a little film of oil to ease it back on.

Hope this helps someone.

 

I second the "rocking motion"... And also like 3rd or 4th the hairdryer! Those two tecniques combined finally worked for me a couple days ago on my own CCT swap out... Although I didn't use any oil on the reinstall... Damn! But I did use the block of wood and tapping method mentioned somewhere too. It actually went piece of cardboard first (stop any wood bits from accidentally going where they don't belong) then block of wood (both full length of throttle body) light but firm tapping evenly across until fully seated, wa la!

 

No mention of syncing the throttle bodies after removal?