License Plate Bracket Solution

[redline380]

Background- I bought my car off Carvana. They have a warranty and of course the stock bracket was junk as it is a common issue. So, I brought it in to an approved repair facility so they could get me a new bracket under warranty. They tend to run $150+. However, I intend to have the car paint corrected this spring so I asked the store to order it but not replace it. I wanted to remove the old bracket before the paint correction is done and then replace it after it was done.

I also bought a fancy license plate frame. I mocked it all up this winter and don't like how the frame is unable to sit flush against the bracket. It is an odd size, the bracket is too big.

While searching for a front license plate bracket on Facebook, I came across this- https://yourlittlecncshop.com/collec...t-with-rs-logo

I really like how minimalist it is. I knew that the license plate frame would be able to sit flush. And for $30 I figured it was worth a shot. In short, I am pretty pleased! Everything fits nice, the license plate frame seats nicely, and the product is well printed. I may add some double sided tape to the back of the bracket like the stock unit has but I think this is a great solution.

My brand new stock unit will be for sale! Please excuse the ishy trunk. The car has not been paint corrected yet and he needs to remove all the old adhesive tape.

[Eli0073]

Great find.

Sent from my IN2017 using Audizine Forum mobile app

[949]

thanks for sharing. i like it.

how did you remove the old bracket without damaging the old bracket? just curious.

you mentioned issue with the sock old bracket. i never hear of anyone with an issue. what issue was there?

[redline380]

i never hear of anyone with an issue. what issue was there?

So the bracket is plastic. The bolts need something metal. Audi has this terrible solution where the metal bungs sit loosely in the plastic bracket. If too much torque is applied, the bung will break the plastic and simply spin around. This is a problem because most people don't remove their plates until they get a new one every 4 or 5 years or whatever. So the license plate bolts seize in the metal bungs, then they apply a lot of torque to loosen the bolt. The plastic breaks around the metal bung and there ya go. Two things make this issue extra annoying- the bracket is adhesive backed and they are super expensive. There is double sided tape on the back of the OEM bracket making it a pain in the ass to remove from the trunk lid. That and a new bracket costs at least $150, for a POS plastic plate. A new solution is needed.

[993140]

So the bracket is plastic. The bolts need something metal. Audi has this terrible solution where the metal bungs sit loosely in the plastic bracket. If too much torque is applied, the bung will break the plastic and simply spin around. This is a problem because most people don't remove their plates until they get a new one every 4 or 5 years or whatever. So the license plate bolts seize in the metal bungs, then they apply a lot of torque to loosen the bolt. The plastic breaks around the metal bung and there ya go. Two things make this issue extra annoying- the bracket is adhesive backed and they are super expensive. There is double sided tape on the back of the OEM bracket making it a pain in the ass to remove from the trunk lid. That and a new bracket costs at least $150, for a POS plastic plate. A new solution is needed.

Interesting! I just got my 12th Audi and I never had any problem with the rear plate holder/bracket on any of them.

[993140]

So, the RS logo gets hidden behind the plate? What's the point?

[redline380]

Interesting! I just got my 12th Audi and I never had any problem with the rear plate holder/bracket on any of them.

It's pretty common. My wife's 2016 sq5 has had the probably. Might be in areas with more corrosion though.

So, the RS logo gets hidden behind the plate? What's the point?

There is none, guessing it is just the designer messing around with the printer. If you can add it, why not? They do have a more plain one available https://yourlittlecncshop.com/collec...-plate-bracket

And ones with different colors and carbon reinforced material. Not really that necessary.

[JLoft]

Thanks redline380! I happened to find this thread almost by accident (I have an S5). I'm also in your salty winter road state. I pulled my plate and two of the four threaded clips were rusty. Fortunately I had replaced the bolts with stainless steel when it was new so they came out easily. But just on aesthetics I have always hated that Audi bracket - too bulky and too big all around. The new one you found is now on it's way. Yes, clean and simple.

I found a video on removing factory bracket. Open the trunk with it facing the sun and let it sit for a while to heat it up. Grab the right side and just rip it off to the left.

I also get my MN 100 Club plates for the Audi next month. The other car already has a set.