How can I repair my drink holder ?

Stevieb

Member
The drink holder on my 2004 Tdi was broken when I got the car .So I bought a replacement only to find I need to remove the radio to gain access to the holding ears.
But don't fancy attempting this .
So can anyone tell me if it's possible to repair the holder using parts from the new one please ?
 

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Not reliably no. If you get the genuine audi keys for removing the radio then its a doddle of a job.
As @A2Steve says, "get the genuine audi keys" Cheap keys are too thin and bend, this can result in them becoming jammed inside the radio, without releasing it. Genuine keys don't bend, just work. I'm sure some pattern keys are OK, but unless buying over the counter (ie not online), it's hard to know which ones.
Mac.
 
So can anyone tell me if it's possible to repair the holder using parts from the new one please ?
You're missing the cover from the front, and the ring section that the cup sits in.

The front covers are definitely transferable, they simply clip on (although you have to be sure to get the top in properly).

On a scrap cupholder I was able to remove the ring section to get the same situation as in your photo, and replace it again without breaking anything else. Tools used, a 3mm precision screwdriver for gentle leverage, two pairs of glasses to see what on earth I'm doing, and a large number of swear words to overcome the fiddlyness?.

That was on a table in good light. How awkward that job would be in situ on the car I wouldn't like to think. It's only even worth considering if you can push the cupholder in when you hold down the legs that are sticking up, and push it again to have it spring back out. Otherwise, radio out ? oh, and echo that on decent keys, I've been there too with the cheap ones. Mine aren't genuine but they are 1mm thick and do the job.
 
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With good keys, removing the radio is a doddle.
Make sure you get the keys right way round, they should be marked L and R. I found that putting a very slight upward curve, (very gentle bend), in each key ensures they engage with the release mech in the radio, which is a few millimetres up from the radio base. I'm talking a curve similar to the radius of a dinner plate, nothing more.
Here's one I did earlier:
Mac.
IMG_20200124_114049.jpg
IMG_20200124_114049.jpg
 
If you already have keys then try them just be aware the non Audi ones can be a lot more troublesome. Once the radio is out the center vents need to come out, the securing screws now visible with the radio out. Cup holders fit and remove from the rear of the vent assembly just be careful with the hazard switch wiring.
 
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