Alright, this is a split from another thread (http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ic.php?t=84785), but I felt it would be helpful to more of us if it were in here...
This is basically just a pictorial summary of the parts you disassemble to get the TB off the car. After that, I would recommend following the cleaning instructions from the TechInfo article. I used CRC Throttle Body Cleaner. Also, throttle body plate screws were an 8mm socket, and the 3 bolts holding the TB on were 1/2".

I took the pictures with my measly 1.3MP cameraphone, so please forgive the poor quality. Also, I actually went back and took the pictures AFTER the job was done.

Note: This was done on a 92 SE. No EGR. While I am sure there will be some differences, I believe a majority of the steps/principles to be the same. Dunno bout all you SC'ed goofballs, but here'* to the NA bunch! Also, this is not to go against the Techinfo article that is already in place, I recommend you check that out, however I thought with pics, it might be a little easier for some.

Here are just a few "Before" pictures. Please ignore the damaged MAF Screen, you'll notice it won't be there afterwards...





Alright, this is what you start off with, just a regular throttle body, clueless to the spoiling it was about to receive... Of course, disconnect the 3 sensors that are highlighted. You should unscrew and remove the MAF sensor before going any further (This is the sensor on the right. All my sensors were held on with regular phillips-head screws.


Now, these two screws should come out pretty easy. I used an 8mm socket.


Like I had mentioned in the other thread, I did not need to remove the exhaust heatshield that the rear of the throttle plate was connected to because the throttle plate simply rotated back for me without doing so, however, if you find the need to do this, here are the two bolts, and I can tell you that left one is a PITA.


In these pictures, you'll notice the intake pipe is still attached. I recommend you disconnect your intake ducting. It allows for easier maneuverability around the TB. Here'* how the throttle plate lifted right up for me.



I used a flathead screwdriver to help get the retainers off the throttle cables. Just be careful not to snap them off. You want to do the top and bottom.


With the top one disconnected...


There are three nuts that hold the TB to the gasket/upper intake. Follow the pale white finger...

This one will be the difficult one. IIRC, you need to already have the throttle cables disconnected to get to this one without too difficult a time.

Probably the easiest


Yes, I swear there'* a nut in there


Here'* another pic of that hidden one with the deep socket



And after I took off the TB, cleaned it thoroughly, and replaced it, here'* the finished pics. You'll notice I left off the MAF screen. So far it has not hurt performance, but I am skeptical on anything you can really feel as per this mod, so I'll cover that some other time. Isn't she clean?!




Hope this helps some of you. I know how scary it can be to take on something you've never attempted before!

Excellent write up and pics.

Describe the filth behind the throttle plate. With no EGR, it wasn't too bad, was it?

No not really. Unfortunately, I was unable to snap pics before cleaning it out. However, without an EGR it does not accumulate as much sludge. Mainly dust, dirt, and a minimal amount of grime. Just be sure when you clean out the TB, you get all the little nooks and crannies. I went through many paper towels, Q-tips, and a toothbrush getting this thing cleaned thoroughly on both ends.

Tech info


Very nice write up, That helps me a lot man, i need to do both of my cars soon and i was very worried about that dumb bracket

If the bracket sticks, take out the bolt on the right (in the pic of the heatshield bolts), and try to wiggle the heatshield back and forth. That loosened my bracket up a bit. Some WD-40 in there a little will help too. FYI, this is probably the only time I would ever recommend ole WD-40

So you don't recomend us lazy guys just spraying the sh**t out of it with carb/throttlebody cleaner?

I know mine'* dirty as heck but not ready to remove it. I cleaned the I.A.C. passages and MAF as best as I could. 163K on it.

i would not want any big chunks or all that dirt going into my motor... would you?

Agreed... once we're talking about getting past the MAF screen, I would treat that TB like a porcelain lamp worth $4,000. If something, even a light bit of gunk gets into that engine, you've not only defeated the purpose, but you've made it worse than it was to begin with, because now all that nastiness is loosened up and free to fly through that intake.

If you're not ready to take it off, save cleaning it til you are. I'm sure leaving it won't make it get much worse than it was.

I greatly appreciate your thread as i am doing my TB this week aswell. Great work. Thanks again.