How To: Fix that Limp center armrest

[marvins_dad]

So - do you have an Armrest that droops, that seems to have come loose from the ratcheting mechanism and won't stay in the position that you set it to...basically has your center armerest gone LIMP?

Here's a quick and easy solution....

[marvins_dad]

Start by removing the trim panel on the driver's side and the one nut on the drivers side that holds the entire assembly up. I believe it is a 14mm nut.

[marvins_dad]

Pulling the assembly out you can then take off the opposite side trim.

You will notice the white polyethylene looking cylinder sticking up about 1/8" on either side.

[marvins_dad]

These rings/cylinders are supposed to be flush in order to allow the ratcheting mechanism to work properly.

I placed one side on a jack stand then took a rubber hammer to pound the bejeesus...just kidding, just tap the cylinder into the assembly until flush. Turn over and tap a couple times on the other side until flush as well.

[marvins_dad]

There you have it - install in reverse order. You have to put the passenger trim on the assembly before placing the assembly back in the console...then the nut/bolt...then trim.


I say this is a quick and easy solution, because in 6 months, give or take, you will probably be repeating this process. I haven't looked into how you can permanently keep this cylinder from popping out. If anyone has any solutions, let me know and I will add it to this how-to.

[marvins_dad]

This thread is for Discussion on the How-to titled:

Fix that Limp Center Armrest (How-To) Discussion Thread<---click on title to go to link.

[marvins_dad]

Duffy had a great suggestion...

Drill a small hole (0.125") thru the aluminum sleeve and plastic insert and push in a small piece of wire, piano, copper or drill rod etc. thru both. Drill straight thru both sides. I assume there is nothing in the hole or the piece doesn't move. If so, then use a small rivet to hold the piece in place.

So - if someone gets around to doing this before my next limp action, let me know how it goes and I will add it to the How to.

I only wonder if the plastic bit doesn't rotate around with the moving of the armrest position...this should be easy enough to investigate once off the car.