Cracked front of Inst. Cluster -removing it?
03-01-2006, 07:00 PM
#1
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Cracked front of Inst. Cluster -removing it?
I cracked the front part of my instrument cluster (the clear plastic window). It's only a small crack in the crner, but it will drive me crazy. So i plan on replacing it. The question is:
How do i remove the plastic front from the instrument cluster? can this be done without dremeling? Is it permantly attached or clipped in? If it would need to be dremeled.. how do you suggest putting a replacement in?
Thanks for any repies, I greatly appreciate it.
How do i remove the plastic front from the instrument cluster? can this be done without dremeling? Is it permantly attached or clipped in? If it would need to be dremeled.. how do you suggest putting a replacement in?
Thanks for any repies, I greatly appreciate it.
03-01-2006, 07:12 PM
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Mine was clipped...
You remove the two screw that are hidden behind the small piece of plastic trim above the steering wheel. It pulls out, yet you have to unhook the wire harnesses to get it completely out of the car. Once you have the whole cluster in your hands, that is when you will see how the front piece clips on. The only thing is, I don't know if you can just replace that plastic face. I think you have to either buy a whole new cluster or find a used one and use the face off of it.
J
J
03-01-2006, 08:07 PM
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probably need to replace that whole plastic piece.
<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/63206/dscf0002.1.jpg"></center><p>try to find a donor cluster. Remove gauges / circuit board.
this is what mine looks like apart.
this is what mine looks like apart.
03-01-2006, 08:13 PM
#6
you need to make shims...
that look like this:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/72954/tools_for_cluster.jpg">
stick the shims in:
<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/bonthron/webfiles/images/bgwup/img1258.jpg">
<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/bonthron/webfiles/images/bgwup/img1259.jpg">
the whole thing can come apart:
<img src="http://www.modifieda4.com/images/trip-display/dscn6601.sized.jpg">
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/72954/tools_for_cluster.jpg">
stick the shims in:
<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/bonthron/webfiles/images/bgwup/img1258.jpg">
<img src="http://homepage.mac.com/bonthron/webfiles/images/bgwup/img1259.jpg">
the whole thing can come apart:
<img src="http://www.modifieda4.com/images/trip-display/dscn6601.sized.jpg">
03-01-2006, 08:59 PM
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Start at one end and work your way around...no need for shims.
I had no issues with my clips way back when I first took it apart in 1998. I guess those shime are to make sure the clips stay unclipped...for dummys.
J
J
