Broken arm rest

[rhys_himself]

Hi guys,

I've busted my central arm rest on my '03 Toledo TDI. Basically it was stuck in the upright position which got me frustrated and so tried forcing it down, in the process managing to break the metal mount near the handbrake.

I've done quite a bit of searching here and found this guide for the VW which looks very handy:

http://www.cupra.net/Leon/Mein_Cupra/MAL/page_01.html

...but still have a few questions if anyone can answer?:

* Obviously the mount is broken- can this be replaced? (the bit in the first 4 pictures of the guide)
* As it was stuck in the upright position, I'm guessing something else is busted- any ideas on what, if it's repairable and if not, how to replace?
* Where would you guys recommend for replacement bits (OEM should be fine- as long as it's not cr*p!)
* Is it easy enough to do?

Thanks for any suggestions guys!

 

[kewe]

Is it the same as the one on the v5 toledo?



If so I assume you were pressing in the release button when you were trying to lower it down?

 

[rhys_himself]

Yeah it does look the same as that picture actually.

Haha, yeah I was certainly pressing the button to try and lower it. It used to work and I'd put it up when puting the handbrake on then down when driving, but then one day just decided it didn't want to budge

 

[kewe]

Hehe Yeah it's probably only me that would be that stupid right enough to try to force it without pressing the button. I guess that would be part of the problem though if that button didn't release the catch required to lower the armrest. Maybe just fitting a new one will solve the problem if you can get the bits required.

 

[michaelg1001]

mines stuck in the upright postion as well! been like that since i got the car. anyone know how to get it down without breaking it?

 

[rhys_himself]

I'd guess you have to get into the armrest somehow to replace the clip that looks like it's failing. I'm probably going to have to do the same but I'm not sure it's possible!

Has anyone taken apart one of these arm rests?

 

[lightace]

I have the same problem for 6 month now. The release button seems to be broken. Is there any way to fix this. What is the easiest way to unmount the arm rest?

 

[rhys_himself]

Well I've just taken off the armrest, it's pretty easy, just do as follows:

* Take out the ashtray
* Undo the allen key bolt you'll see attached to the armrest mount and remove
* Flick out the metal lever/clip that the above holds in place
* Wobble armrest and pull up to remove
* Undo the plastic surround screws that are visible now the ashtray is removed, to allow it to lift
* Undo the 3 bolts that can be seen holding the arm rest clamp in
* Voila, remove the clamp and it's all out.

(The pictures on the link on my original post will definitely help with the above)

Now I'm just trying to work out how to get into the arm rest and how to find and fix the broken clip...