Broken steering column surround mount fix

[JKIDD]

My lower steering column surround was loose & would rattle at times while driving (driving me nuts). Once I removed it I discovered the mount points where the screws attach it to the column has completely disintegrated. Being too cheap to spend the $80+ for a replacement I set out to find a fix. I discovered that the plastic cover from the tip of the O2 sensor I just bought was just the right diameter to insert into the existing hole (I just helped a co-worker change his so I had 2 available). I cut the larger portion off the bottom, test fit to set the correct depth, then JB Weld-ed it in place. A little "Plastic Surgery" if you will... Drilled a new hole for the screw & presto, problem solved. Not sure if this is a wide spread issue or not, but this is a simple solution. Hardest part would be finding 2 O2 sensor caps....

 

[Dr.Jeff]

I love seeing simple fixes to otherwise costly repairs.

All plastic pieces become brittle on old cars, especially ones that see some direct sunlight. And even more-so ones with retainer screws holding tension on them, like this one. On mine it was on the opposite half shell - where the screws "screw" into - that was destroyed. Someone tried to repair it by forcing a larger sheet metal screw into the plastic. That only succeeded in creating a huge crack across the whole panel....ruining it completely.

EDIT: Sorry, I thought this was about the X1/9 steering column cover. I just noticed your post is under the "new 500" section. So some of my comments do not pertain.

 

[dragonsgate]

I love seeing simple fixes to otherwise costly repairs.

All plastic pieces become brittle on old cars, especially ones that see some direct sunlight. And even more-so ones with retainer screws holding tension on them, like this one. On mine it was on the opposite half shell - where the screws "screw" into - that was destroyed. Someone tried to repair it by forcing a larger sheet metal screw into the plastic. That only succeeded in creating a huge crack across the whole panel....ruining it completely.

EDIT: Sorry, I thought this was about the X1/9 steering column cover. I just noticed your post is under the "new 500" section. So some of my comments do not pertain.

That's OK, I'm getting old too so I have an idea of what you are talking about.
I have always liked simple fixes, especially when it saves money and most importantly work.

 

[JKIDD]

Drove it to work today & the occasional rattle is gone!