So I need to remove the front passenger wheel well splash guard on my way towards the timing belt and water pump. It is held on by some bolts and some Christmas trees.

Well, the bolts spin, but they won't actually come out. I can restore them to tight, but once they are loose they just spin in place.

So am I doing something wrong or foolishly overlooking something, or is there a problem? And if there's a problem, what can I do about it?

Thanks in advance

 

get a plastic trim remover tool with the notch in it and use it to pry on the head while you spin the bolt.