A previous owner have managed to snap one screw on each license plate light (what a stupid idea not using stainless!), so the lenses are partly loose. No rust or damage yet, though. Has anyone had luck drilling out the broken screws, or should I just bite it and get new license plate lights? I see replacing them is sort of a PITA..
License plate light screws
- Thread starter E_S
- Start date
light replacements I've done on 2 A2s. Both involve complete dismantlement of the tailgate trims from the inside first, then wrestling the rusted screws out of the external trim, then removal of the external trim. Oh - and if you are both lucky and organised, find a suitable online source of the said light fittings for less than you can sell your child's kidney for on Ebay. And order them and get them delivered. Then you have to stick the broken-off-bits of the fixings back onto the external trim as well as fitting the new numberplate light mountings into the trim, then refit the trim, then connect the electrical bits inside the tailgate and finally the internal trim again and hope it has all gone together. Which it may not have done for various reasons not excluding lack of availability of parts that were available until 3 years ago and so on.
Please forgive the overt pessimism in my above response. Rear license-plate light replacements are one of those jobs that we all have to do now our cars are averaging 20 years old. The key issue is getting hold of new ones to replace them, and then the job is a bit of a pig, but mostly revolves around the tenacious nature of the really robust trim retention clips that you need to overcome to get the tailgate inner trim off.
If you need more help, please come back. Best of luck. Robin
birtyA2
A2OC Donor
I was ‘lucky’ to an extent in that the lenses had been damaged by the rusty screws and disintegrated. This left enough of the screw head sitting proud so was able to twist out having soaked with wd40. Was able to get complete replacements from Car Parts 4 Less and replaced the supplied screws with stainless steel. So I ended up just changing the screws and lenses, a lucky escape
Post in thread 'Today I.....'
https://www.a2oc.net/community/index.php?threads/today-i.28729/post-491566
Post in thread 'Today I.....'
https://www.a2oc.net/community/index.php?threads/today-i.28729/post-491566
Robert97R
Member
Just yesterday I tackled this very job, as with you 2 rusty screws came out using a carefully sized pozidrive but the other 2 sheared.
Fortunately, there was a small stub of each broken screw protruding, so rather than drill them out ( steel in plastic
) I heated them up using a 60 watt soldering iron with a blob of solder to transmit the heat, this softened the plastic, then using needle-nosed pliers they easily unscrewed. Robert.
Fortunately, there was a small stub of each broken screw protruding, so rather than drill them out ( steel in plastic
) I heated them up using a 60 watt soldering iron with a blob of solder to transmit the heat, this softened the plastic, then using needle-nosed pliers they easily unscrewed. Robert.
JM_A2
Member
Hi,
I have had similar issues with my number plate lights. In the first page of this thread I have posted a write up of how I managed to remove the snapped screws.
Hopefully this is of some use to you.
Here is the relevant thread: https://www.a2oc.net/community/index.php?threads/number-plate-lights.46330/
I have had similar issues with my number plate lights. In the first page of this thread I have posted a write up of how I managed to remove the snapped screws.
Hopefully this is of some use to you.
Here is the relevant thread: https://www.a2oc.net/community/index.php?threads/number-plate-lights.46330/
Good Evening,
The big question for me is can you unscrew the remaining screw in each lense? If so with the remaining screw removed the lense can be temporarily removed/moved aside allowing you to attack the rusted stumps of the sheared screws. If the remaining screws also shear that is not ideal but at least the lense will be free, just more rusted stumps to deal with.
For me one pair of screws unscrewed but the other pair sheared. To remove the stumps I drilled something like four or five 3mm holes round it to loosen and unscrewed with some hefty pin nosed pliers. The trick is not to drill too deep, say 10mm, as the original screws are were quite short and you are only trying to loosen the stumps. There is enough 'meat' left to take a longer screw, in fact my longer screws as it transpired went all the way through into the tailgate void, does no harm and nobody sees them. If the longer screws fail to grip you can always use a stainless nut and countersunk bolt but you will have to remove the lower tailgate trim to put on a washer and the nut but removing and replacing the trim can be a little mission in itself.
Having said that that's what I did but I like the idea of heating the stump with a soldering iron.
You do not want to replace the light unless you really have to, as per Robin above.
Andy
Last edited:
Tomscar
Member
A great tip Robert ... I'll give this a try if I run into difficultiesJust yesterday I tackled this very job, as with you 2 rusty screws came out using a carefully sized pozidrive but the other 2 sheared.
Fortunately, there was a small stub of each broken screw protruding, so rather than drill them out ( steel in plastic
Hello Robin,
what is the size of a stainless steel screw required?
Thank you!
Andrei
steve_c
Grumpy OAP & A2OC Donor
Imperial size 6 in 5/8" length. I bought these:
Many thanks indeed!!!
steve_c
Grumpy OAP & A2OC Donor
The number plate light unit is still available from Audi Tradition, priced at EUR21.99 apiece. The part number is 8Z0943021
The AT web page is here:
The AT web page is here:
SamT
A2OC Donor
This eBay link is now dead.
What is the exact spec for these screws? When I search I get loads of wood screws etc but not able to work out what is correct for these number plate lights.
I need to remove rusted ones and do not wish to start the job until I have correct stainless (or aluminium) replacements
Thanks Sam
Dave M
Admin Team
I think the ones from Halfords were once popular in this thread......3.5mm x 13mm Stainless steel crossheads.
www.a2oc.net
Replacement alloy screws for number plate lights?
Timmus mentioned to me earlier this week on possible number plate screw replacements from screwfix that won't rot and disintegrate in 10 minutes as over supplied oem screws. Can't find the thread anywhere does anyone know or have the thread bookmarked..thanks
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bix
Active Member
I ended up using bit longer and bigger diameter stainless screws after drilling out the old rusted one. I created and 3D printed soft plastic washer to prevent the cracking of the clear glass. I did this on both of the cars to save me from dismantling everything just to replace the entire light. Both cars passed trough MOT with no issues.
2work
Well Known Member
Afternoon Sam,
I have a few spares from the above eBay link, here’s 4 that you can have for the minimal price of postage to you:
I’ve recently fitted these same screws into Project EUDs tailgate:
Project EUD (2001 Jaipur Red TDI AMF)
actually the two are similar in terms of functionality having had both, I can cite two differences, the color3D displays the date of the day, but the ColorMfa displays the name of the radio as well as the GPS, but the 2 are worth Morning, Yes they are quite similar indeed. I’m still yet to...
www.a2oc.net
If these are of any use to you then simply PM me stating your full name and full postal address and I’ll get them dispatched this evening.
Kind regards,
Tom
the_luton_man
Member
I bought some from ebay and fitted them a few weeks ago. They fitted perfectly. The old ones hadn't corroded, but I wanted to plan ahead for salt spray next winter. Though I compared and then retained the old original Audi screws, I doubt I'll ever need to fit them ! https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/234089027715?var=533720926739
SamT
A2OC Donor
Hi Tom,Afternoon Sam,
I have a few spares from the above eBay link, here’s 4 that you can have for the minimal price of postage to you:
View attachment 123516
I’ve recently fitted these same screws into Project EUDs tailgate:
Project EUD (2001 Jaipur Red TDI AMF)
actually the two are similar in terms of functionality having had both, I can cite two differences, the color3D displays the date of the day, but the ColorMfa displays the name of the radio as well as the GPS, but the 2 are worth Morning, Yes they are quite similar indeed. I’m still yet to...
View attachment 123514
View attachment 123515
If these are of any use to you then simply PM me stating your full name and full postal address and I’ll get them dispatched this evening.
Kind regards,
Tom
I've ordered a pack on eBay now which should be arriving any day soon.
2work
Well Known Member
No problem Sam,
The
Ain to g is that you’re furnished with what you require to complete the task ahead. Very satisfying seeing shiny screws when opening the tailgate.
Kind regards,
Tom
