A8 Parts Forum

A8 Parts Forum (https://forum.a8parts.co.uk/index.php)
-   D2 - Body and Exterior (https://forum.a8parts.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=22)
-   -   Trim across base of windscreen (includes washer jets) poorly fitted. (https://forum.a8parts.co.uk/showthread.php?t=13287)

HPsauce 4th August 2017 03:32 PM

Trim across base of windscreen (includes washer jets) poorly fitted.
 
I just noticed that this trim, which goes across the whole base of the windscreen, is a very poor fit.
Specifically the centre section and extending somewhat to the drivers side past the central (for nearside) wiper pivot is clear of the glass by up to 1cm. :tuttut: It cannot be pushed down, it's obstructed below in some way.

It only seems to be fixed by 3 hex head bolts, one at each end and one in the centre. And the wiper arms obviously block removal as well.
The end bolts look OK (and have non-circular washers) but the centre one has some rubber debris on top, is rusty, and has a rusty disc washer under the head.
I have before suspected that the windscreen was replaced in the past, so maybe this wasn't refitted properly?

Can someone post a photo, or at least describe, what this central fixing should be - and confirm there are just 3 in total?

This big gaps also means that debris washed down on the windscreen isn't trapped by the mesh in this trim, probably adding to my scuttle drain woes. :mad:

notorious 4th August 2017 03:48 PM

Don't have pictures with me, but scuttle panel is easy to remove, which you will have to do anyway.

you'll need to remove arms, and this can be done by removing wiper and then firmly grabbing arm in vertical position and pushing it up and down, so that splines on tapers disengage. There's a metal to aluminium contact there and you will find some resistance, but don't worry -- you will remove it. Then use copper grease when you put them back. Good opportunity to replace them. They are still available from Audi.

Then remove scuttle panel and investigate. Two bolts from each side and I think another one in the centre under the plastic cover if I remember correctly.

There are two C-shape holders that attach scuttle trim to aluminium lugs of the body. If they've snapped off, they can be transplanted from donor scuttle panel that you can get from A8 Parts or perhaps order it brand new. Use small screws and pre-drill plastic for the screws when you transplant C-shape holders.

In the interim you can drive without scuttle panel. Nothing wrong will happen.

Hope it helps.

David's8 4th August 2017 04:38 PM

Removed mine recently to replace wiper drive. IIRC the centre one requires a bit of fiddling otherwise it doesnt engage properly (it might be a tongue or something but memory fails me here!) - just as your seems to be.

HPsauce 4th August 2017 04:56 PM

Thanks folks.
Do the wiper arms have nuts to hold them on or are they just a push fit on the splines?

David's8 4th August 2017 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HPsauce (Post 131150)
Thanks folks.
Do the wiper arms have nuts to hold them on or are they just a push fit on the splines?

Nuts to you. :) As Sergei says, you need to hold the wiper arm down so its parallel to the screen otherwise it springs up when the nut is removed and can damage ther bonnet edge. (It is easier to remove them with the bonnet shut)

HPsauce 4th August 2017 05:12 PM

Thanks again; I'll do this when I go delving into the air intake to test the fan/controller etc. and fit a new sponge seal around the edge.
Having the air intake cover off may also help refitting the trim panel. Certainly sounds (and feels) like there's something that needs to engage that was missed previously.
(And I'm used to the precautions you need when removing sprung wiper arms, I usually have some protective cloths around as well. ;) )

HPsauce 19th September 2017 03:54 PM

1 Attachment(s)
Well I had this off today and found indisputable evidence of a bodge, probably by whoever replaced the windscreen years ago. :angry2:
(Incidentally I removed the wiper arms with the bonnet open, blades removed and arms up at 90 degrees to make "wiggling" easier, there's just room)

The central fixing wasn't a fixing at all. The part of the trim that has a bolt through it was essentially not there, probably broken off and discarded in the past.
The trim was raised up because it was jammed against a useless bolt nut and washer, probably an attempt at a repair that achieved nothing.

I suspect originally there was a deepish recess in the trim with a bolt through it going into the same sort of clip still present for the two outer fixings.
The clip had gone and a rusty (non-Audi) bolt was through a large washer and the hole in the body bracket with just a nut on the other side! So not a proper fixing in any shape or form. I removed it, picture attached.

I've put the trim back but it's only secured by the two end bolts, though does now lie a bit flatter in the middle., but moving around more.

So now I need a replacement UNBROKEN trim piece (that incorporates the washer jets etc.) and the fixing bolt and clip.
This is what had been used to unsuccessfully bodge it!

MikkiJayne 19th September 2017 04:07 PM

From our sponsors: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-A8-D2...item28352e950e

Or new for about £180 if they're still available.

HPsauce 19th September 2017 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikkiJayne (Post 132745)
From our sponsors: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-A8-D2...item28352e950e

Or new for about £180 if they're still available.

Already been on the phone to Maria and ordered that, plus the cover that goes in front of it on the drivers side (also damaged!). +++ http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/192292751197

Just over £40 the pair, delivered.


MJ, do you happen to know how the centre fixing works? Maria said she didn't have any but it's listed as using a M6x32 bolt and appears to go straight into the support bracket on her diagrams.
Is the bracket threaded or does it use a clip of some sort (speed clip?)?

MikkiJayne 19th September 2017 04:54 PM

The bracket should be threaded so the M6 bolt goes through the plastic trim and straight in to the bracket.

If its previously been bodged though it could be that the original bolt seized and the thread has been broken or drilled out. If so, an M6 speed nut such as N90168604 would do the job instead +++


All times are GMT. The time now is 07:59 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.