Here are links that will fix the pictures that have been taken down by photobucket:
Chrome:
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/d...fegnfnflicjjgj
Firefox:
http://redirect.viglink.com/?format=...mbedded-fix%2F
I've seen a lot of guys on here replacing their entire lids because the latch on the center console breaks, so I'm creating this DIY as a $5 alternative that also allows you to keep your nice high quality leather too. So all you'll need materials wise is the latch (which you can find on eBay for ~$5):
I got mine off eBay and I think it was a B6 or A6 latch, it still worked so I'm pretty sure any Audi with a flip up center console can all use the same latch. Also if you lost the metal clip you'll want to make sure you buy one with the latch:
So lets get started!
Step 1:
Start by removing the lid from the center console. Push in one arm and wiggle it a little until the other arm comes out. The plastic can definitely flex enough to push one of the arms out of its slot. If you pushed in both at the same time, that might be too much...
Step 2:
Once you have the lid off you'll need to pop off the bottom plastic. You can use a flathead screw driver, but make sure its pretty wide as it needs some strength. I would recommend a rubber trim removal tool or anything of that sort. You'll start by slipping your tool between the plastic bottom and the leather on the side where the arms are. Stick the tool in there and pry the plastic up.
It's going to take A LOT of force. The plastic surfaces have some sort of plastic sealant on them so it's going to sound like you're breaking or cracking the plastic... Trust me, you're not! If it makes you feel safe you can hit it with a heat gun on low to loosen up the bonds. It is plastic so not too much heat! As seen in the pictures below there are 8 mounting points so you have an idea of how and where it's going to separate. Once you've started to pop it up from the side with the arms, evenly work your way to the side with the latch. You can also see in the pictures the little bit of plastic sealant.
WARNING! I'm pretty sure ONLY THE B7s have this lid design. So if you're doing this on an Audi that is not a B7, or has a center console different than the one seen in the pictures, I encourage you to research your specific body style as I am not responsible when your plastic lid breaks from separating it improperly.
Step 3:
If your metal clip stayed on (which it likely didn't), unhook it from from its mount and remove it. Also remove the remains of your plastic latch.
Step 4:
Install your new latch. Make sure the smooth part of the latch is on the same side as the smooth part of the plastic lid. You'll need to bend the latch a little to fit the mounting points in, but be careful... This is where the latch likes to break.
Step 5:
Now you'll need to install the metal clip, this is probably the hardest part of the replacement. Start by placing the ends of it where they mount on the latch.
Then you'll need to stretch the clip to get it to hook onto the mounting point on the smooth side of the plastic lid. Some kind of hook tool is really helpful and just be patient. I used two hook tools and started with one on the side shown in the first picture to push the clip to the side of the plastic lid it needs to be on, and the second tool on the smooth side of the plastic lid to grab the clip and pull it back and over the mounting point seen in the second picture.
Step 6:
Now that the latch and clip are installed the rest is pretty easy. Reconnect the plastic part of the lid with the leather part of the lid. You don't need to put any kind of sealant on it. It will snap together and hold just fine, mine is still solid 6 months later.
Step 7:
Now reinstall your lid to the center console. I angled the lid a little to align the mounting points in the slots on one side and then pushed the other arm until it slid into the slots. Take your time and try not to bend both arms at the same time. Make sure the lid can move up and down with no resistance.
And now you're done and are able to enjoy closing your center console lid for when you need to throw it up for easy access to the hand-brake during an urban drift sesh!
Let me know if any part seems confusing or if I left something out...
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Great write-up. I only wish I hadn't thrown out my original lid now. Oh well, the replacement I got is pretty decent--not perfect, but decent.
Originally Posted by coulditb7
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