Glove Box hinge repair

[simonbrown51]

The left hand glove box hinge on my 2006 Audi A4 snapped recently looking on the forums this seems to be a common problem.

I removed the entire glove box - 3 8mm bolts at top and 2 at bottom

Set airbag switch to off before disconnecting single electrical plug at back/ base of glove box.

Most posts seem to suggest the glove box door can be removed by pulling the pins out (didn’t work for me) I used a watch makers screw driver as a punch (had to bash a hole through plastic one side).

Removed and repair the piston/ damper on left hand side its this that gets so stiff the hinge breaks. - advice from DIY: Fixing the terrible B6 glove box - Audizine Forums - I added a bit of grease to rubber washer and it runs quite freely now.

Quite a few posts seem to recommend glue the hinge - I cant see how that would last.

I used a M5 screw - about 4cm long

Drilled a pilot hole in both sides of broken hinge and screwed screw into the door side.

chopped head of screw leaving about 1.5 ish cm of screw exposed

Screwed broken part of hinge onto screw and adjusted

Slightly undo screw and put araldite rapid on middle of hinge and built up reound crack and screw.

Allow to set overnight before reassembling glove box.

photos attached - will let you know if it holds seems quite solid

Hope this helps a few people - better than £120 from Audi

[tubby]

Simon,

I followed your guide and it took about 10 mins to get the glovebox out. I used a panel screw driver (one that has a fork at the end) and got the pins out without making any additional holes.

Left the glue for 4 hours to be sure - easy fix really.

I put the glovebox back in while the hinge was setting and managed to put the lid on in situ - I would think you could take the lid off in-situ to save time.

One thing however - my airbag light is on (on the dash). I didn't disconnect the battery before I unplgged the GBX but I did turn the AirBag off.

I'll recheck the cables and make sure they are fitted correctly but I think they are right - any ideas what could be causing the light?

Cheers,

Tubs

[mb]

Simon,

I followed your guide and it took about 10 mins to get the glovebox out. I used a panel screw driver (one that has a fork at the end) and got the pins out without making any additional holes.

Left the glue for 4 hours to be sure - easy fix really.

I put the glovebox back in while the hinge was setting and managed to put the lid on in situ - I would think you could take the lid off in-situ to save time.

One thing however - my airbag light is on (on the dash). I didn't disconnect the battery before I unplgged the GBX but I did turn the AirBag off.

I'll recheck the cables and make sure they are fitted correctly but I think they are right - any ideas what could be causing the light?

Cheers,

Tubs

Is it possible the ignition was switched on with GB switch disconnected as this would probably trigger the AB light ? It should be an easy re-set via VCDS or a dealer & then shouldn't come back unless something has gone badly wrong which doesn't sound likely.

If you come down to Southampton at all can reset it for you as have VCDS

[tubby]

I'll check with my mate who runs a garage and if he doesn't have the kit I'll drop you a line.

Took the GBX out again last night and re-checked the cables - didn't make a difference so I guess I jut triggered the light

Cheers,

Mark.

[Quintheeskimo]

I hope this is of use. The left hand hinge fails due to tightness of damper/glove box light switch. A new glove box incorporating both hinges costs £105 from Audi dealer. Note that the moulding on the new lid has been strengthened around the hinges compared to my broken one (2005 model).I suggest buying a new PLASTIC pin that secures the hinge to the light switch. Its not necessary to buy the metal pins. My dealer said he had had a run on glove boxes but had not sold a metal pin for 18 months. Do not remove the glove box at this stage as it may not be necessary. NOTE if glovebox is removed it is not necessary to disconnect the large orange electrical connector at the rear of the glove box. If you do the airbag warning light will come on and Audi will charge around £55 to reset (30 minutes labour). Grasp each metal pin ion turn with small electricians side cutters and tap with a small hammer. Although tight they will come out. On the right hand pin it may be you cannot get a good swing of the hammer. If so remove glove box - 5 x 8mm (Ithink or 7mm) bolts, and ease the whole box aside remembering not to disconnect the large electrical connector. Open passenger door and remove the roughly triangular panel at the end of the dashboard with a flat blade, it should come off easily. The damper/switch mechanism is visible. A small plastic pin needs to be removed to release the left hand hinge. I managed it with small pliers and with the glove box removed. Note the inner end needs squeezing together. Anyway you have a spare if needed or a split pin would do. I have used a silicon spray on the damper unit and it has improved. There are various posts on the web about replacing or modifying this damper so thats up to you. On the old lid look at the right hand end and locate and remove the single screw holding the catch and lock. The catch/lock then can be levered out coming straight up. Refit lock and replace glove box with the 5 x 8mm bolts. The Metal hinge pins can be tapped back into place with small hammer. (They are a tight fit but press hinge to line up). Reconnect the damper unit using small plastic pin. Refit dashboard end panel. Job done - good luck.