License Plate Repair

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License Plate Repair

My last 2 Audis, both Avants, have had problems with the license plate mounting.

The front plate (not covered here) is another issue; my previous Avant didn't have the mounting frame, so I zip tied the plate to the lower grill. It was good enough to pass inspection, and has held up for 3 years.

The rear plate uses captive nuts, which seem to pull out easily (or maybe after years of use). On my '94 Avant, the captive nuts had pulled out, leaving a gaping hole. I removed the trim piece and epoxied new nuts into place. On my "new" '91 200 20V Avant, I got lucky -- the holes for the captive nuts where unmolested, but the nuts were missing. A trip to the FLAPS found what I needed.

(I used a "real" auto parts place; Robbins in Concord, NH. I try to avoid the national "consumer" chains.)

For the record, the 1/4" mounting nuts were too large. The #8 fit like a glove. YMMV.

The Parts

Some of the options I found:

• #8 screws or 1/4 inch screws and captive nuts
• 5-minute 2-part epoxy

Image 1 shows the #8 screws I ended up using. The 1/4-inch screws were too big.

The Fix

Image 2 shows where the license plate mounts. Note the multiple holes, courtesy Audi and the PO (previous owner). The top captive nut has a shallow bottom. I think the PO of my '94 used a too-long bolt and ripped out the nut, leaving a gaping hole and requiring the epoxy solution.

The square hole below it takes the #8 captive nut. My holes were in good shape, so I used them. I used all 4 to secure my plate. The round holes I believe were made by the PO. Hold your license plate up to see where you holes align with the bracket's holes.

Image 3 shows the nut in the hole. Sorry for the contrast, but that white plastic captive nut just snaps loosely into place. The bolt/screw causes the captive nut to expand, securing it in place. If your nut is too loose, a bit of 5-minute 2-part epoxy will hold it in place.

Image 4 shows the screw in place. I like the black. It matches my car. Note that a) this is not one of the bolts shown in Image 1, and b) I cut down the screw so it wouldn't bottom out and ruin my good work.

Kent McLean 3 May 2009 (UTC)