Any clever tip to fix the trim panel under the steering wheel on an S70?

wrybread · Post by **wrybread** » 16 May 2019, 20:53

The trim panel below the steering wheel (above knees) on my 2000 S70 looks like it was built to last about 20 minutes before breaking. I can't imagine what Volvo was thinking. It's broken both on the panel itself and on the dash at the attachment point.

And the passenger panel was removed by the previous owner, I'm guessing for this reason.

I was going to glue a metal plate to the back of both and make a system to attach them, but I figured this is probably super common, so I wanted to see what other people have come up with?

MDK · Post by **MDK** » 17 May 2019, 05:13

MDK here. So, they call that the knee bolster. Basically there are 2 tracks on both sides that you have to get lined up right. I've had the same problem so, I made sure it was in right place and you'll notice on the side .. when you open the driver's door a place where it overlaps...I just took a torx screw about an inch long t25/ t27 and pushed up on the panel with one hand and ran the screw in with my cordless drill.of course that's not factory.. but when the door is closed ... you can't see it anyway Practically versus appearance. Nobody will notice when you're in traffic! rolling on...

wrybread · Post by **wrybread** » 17 May 2019, 09:16

Yup, there's already a screw in from the side. That part was easy. But it also requires a screw in from below, and the backing is broken both on the panel itself, and on the place the screw would go.

There's a metal rail on the right side, but it's not built to hold it in place without that center screw.

Post by **amblerman** » 17 May 2019, 15:27

I am not near my car now so I can't take pictures. but on mine, one of the issues was the little oval slot on the panel.

That slot slides over a hook. In my case that slot was torn and caused the panel to hang down a bit and have a generally loose fit.

So I followed the same process I used for my dash.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=81991

I put ABS cement on back of panel and layered on some fiberglass sheets.
I but about 3 layers on. Once fully dry, I used a razor blade to cut the oval opening in the fiberglass. That improved things dramatically as it now fits on the hook snuggly.

However, I did still have to put a screw in side. Once I did these two things it's been very solid. I'll take pictures later.

-A

wrybread · Post by **wrybread** » 17 May 2019, 15:32

Sounds like a well done fix. Would love to see pics.

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 17 May 2019, 21:48

wrybread wrote: ↑17 May 2019, 15:32 Sounds like a well done fix. Would love to see pics.

He has some in his link...

wrybread · Post by **wrybread** » 17 May 2019, 22:01

Aha, thanks. Really well done repair.

bill d cat · Post by **bill d cat** » 17 May 2019, 22:13

Mine has been broken too many times to count. When I last removed it to get better clearance to replace the clutch and brake pedal covers (for the second time), I discovered that it had been stuck up with Volvo Magic Black Goo (comes in rolls, I think it's called body seam filler or something.)

So I (again) reinforced the center screw hole with epoxy and plastic.

I also used HD Velcro tape to hold up the left side.

wrybread · Post by **wrybread** » 17 May 2019, 22:18

Ooo good idea on the velcro tape.

wrybread · Post by **wrybread** » 23 May 2019, 01:51

I wound up drilling a hole and putting a black zip tie through it. Works great and doesn't look too bad.