Glovebox Not Shutting

Post Fri Apr 18, 2014 1:15 pm

As it's a bank holiday I thought I'd get a few of the little jobs on the old boy sorted. One of these is the glovebox not shutting.

Not sure if this is a common fault. I replaced the lock a couple of weeks ago to try and sort this, got a keyless variation from BMW, and although it operates well. I'm STILL not getting it to catch onto the metal catch on the dash. Running out of options now. Read something in the bentley manual that it could be how everything is lined up at the back where the glovebox is screwed in.

Post Fri Apr 18, 2014 10:30 pm

Which part of the lock did you replace? The button part, the catch, or both? The catch has a common failure, where only one of the two catches is sprung out.
There is adjustment for both reach and tilt at the hinge at the back.
Worst possible case is that you find that the right hand stud bolting the hinge to the bulkhead has sheared off. This indicates that your front bulkhead, one of the most important structural members in the car, is severely corroded.

Post Fri Apr 18, 2014 11:19 pm

I replaced both.

I've had a look at the metal plating at the back and it's very sturdy and strong, including the metal plating that it all hinges on.. not sure if that takes away the worst case scenario.. I was looking for ways in which I could adjust there, but couldn't find any. The hinging at the back doesnt seem to adjust in any way. How's this done?

Thanks Brian

Post Fri Apr 18, 2014 11:26 pm

The bottom of the hinge mounting is on two studs welded to the bulhead. The hinge is slotted so that it can move up and down. This allows the angle and height of the glovebox to be adjusted.

Ben

Post Fri Apr 18, 2014 11:30 pm

BenHar wrote:The bottom of the hinge mounting is on two studs welded to the bulhead. The hinge is slotted so that it can move up and down. This allows the angle and height of the glovebox to be adjusted.

Ben

Also the screws that hold the hinge to the glovebox lid are in oversize holes, giving further adjustment.

Post Fri Apr 18, 2014 11:35 pm

Thanks chaps.. I'm going to give it a go tomorrow.. This has bugged me since I brought the car so if I can get this sorted, it's been a successful weekend!

Post Fri Apr 18, 2014 11:38 pm

Be careful when tightening the nuts on the bulkhead studs. The stud welds are weak and easily shear off.

Don't ask me how I know that.

Ben

Post Fri Apr 18, 2014 11:42 pm

BenHar wrote:Be careful when tightening the nuts on the bulkhead studs. The stud welds are weak and easily shear off.

Don't ask me how I know that.

Ben

Ha I'll let you know how I get on!

Post Fri Apr 18, 2014 11:44 pm

BenHar wrote: The stud welds are weak and easily shear off.

Bulkhead is double skinned at this point, and it's water getting past the sealant in the bottom of the scuttle box, rusting the bulkhead from the inside out that makes the stud fixing weak.

Post Fri Apr 18, 2014 11:47 pm

I can imagine lining this all up is going to be the biggest pain in the arse! I've only been removing it previously through the 3 screws to the hinge, which seems a bad idea in hindsight now knowing the whole hinge can come out. Think this could take a while hey!

Post Sat Apr 19, 2014 11:14 am

Nice one guys, just finished this and worked first time! Still needs a bit of force to latch but I guess it'll never just easily click like 2014 car.

Appreciate the help! Now on to the next job, changing the Lambda sensor!

Post Sat Apr 19, 2014 1:34 pm

If it's adjusted correctly, it'll fit better than any modern mass produced crap. Check that the metal plate the catch fits into hasn't been bent by someone forcing open a broken catch at some point.