Help needed with damaged rear air vent in arm rest

[Jakesangel]

Please can anyone help me. In our MK5 GTi we have what I would called rear air vents/cupholders in the back of the armrest.

Unfortunately my 3 years daughter has decided to start kicking it from the comfort of her car seat. Somehow she has managed to kick off the part (little black & chrome handle or arm) that allows you to move and angle the vents themselves. I still have the part and I can see the other part where it should attach behind the vents but don't know how to fix it or even if it is possible. Can this be fixed or do I need to buy a whole new unit ?

As usual any help or advice would be greatly appreciated and although i'm aware its not a major issue, I just cant stand things like this being broken. 

[cooljimy84]

Missing on mine as well.

They are rather weak, as my passenger side front one has broken loose as well :( Don't think it's an easy job to get them out either.

[lukemk5gti]

A common issue you often see on here.

A picture would be ideal.

I fixed mine by removing the entire unit but the common theme is to replace the entire unit.

[boardyuk]

Mine were broken when I got the car, I just ended up replacing the whole vent rather than faff about with fixing it, much easier and took a lot less time 

[Jakesangel]

D'ya know what mate I think you might be right, it does seem easier to just replace the unit itself and they are on ebay at the moment for about 15 quid. Although for that price they are from China but hopefully should be fine.

[paulw123]

This is a really weak vw design. One kick and they are off, and moving across the rear seat, its near impossible not to knock them 
They are really really fiddly to put back, tweezers to line up the mating socket properly, and then push back on hard. Just when I'm about to give up it usually goes back, but its weak after that. Might try a drop of super glue as it goes back next time.
If you get a new one, it will only happen again I think 

[boardyuk]

D'ya know what mate I think you might be right, it does seem easier to just replace the unit itself and they are on ebay at the moment for about 15 quid. Although for that price they are from China but hopefully should be fine.

The unit I got off eBay was from China and cost £12 I think  Looks identical to the VW part and works like a charm. Was one of those things that bugged me as I knew it was broken but I don't tend to sit in the back of my car 

[Carpy25]

They don't even need to be kicked if the center headrest is raised a little and you fold the rear back rest then you smash them both

Replaced mine with a set off eBay from china quality was good and fitting took a few mins



Note to self keep middle headrest low as possible   

Rob

[paulw123]

They don't even need to be kicked if the center headrest is raised a little and you fold the rear back rest then you smash them both

Replaced mine with a set off eBay from china quality was good and fitting took a few mins



Note to self keep middle headrest low as possible   

Rob

Hmm not tried the lowering rear seat headrest smash issue, thanks for the heads up....now I only need to remember.....dooh