MK2 Audi TT Broken Hood Release Handle Fix

In this video I review a possible permanent fix to the infamous breaking Audi TT hood release handle.

[@mikelawless1838]

I feel better knowing it wasn't just my TT...thanks for the outstanding video!

[@cmidas3396]

Yeah it happens to just about all TT's.

[@stuartwinstanley4949]

A torx key also fits the spline perfectly to open the bonnet

[@cmidas3396]

Oh yeah, I saw a few people use that before.

[@HelenWitch]

What size?

[@keithwright5272]

No need to take ANY trim off at all. Use needle nose pliers to remove snapped shaft from the latch hole inwards to the footwell. Push new spindle in. Job done! Less than 1 minute!

[@tomaszka4608]

How about new doesn't fit to the end? It will broke again

[@swissjetpilot1542]

Just a note regarding the lever handle revision change; the bracket and handle were revised in 1/08/2009. Most of the hood replacement release levers on eBay and other re-sellers are typically the later "C" model even though they advertise "fits models 2007-2014". Be aware they are NOT interchangeable, meaning if you have the early "B" version handle & bracket, the newer "C" handle won't fit into the "B" bracket. So if you've broken a "B" version handle, be sure to replace both the bracket and handle with a "C" version. As for not breaking them, you'll find if you put your thumb on top of the handle and rotate the handle slightly with one or two fingers, you'll put less stress on the axle, reducing the chances of breaking it. I have a 2007 MK2 Roadster with the original factory handle so this method does work. It actually takes very little force or movement of the hood release lever to get the hood latch to disengage. So try to rotate the lever rather than pulling on it. Here's a post from our Forum that you may find useful - FAQ - Audi TT (8J) Broken Hood Release Lever www.ttforum.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=1849287 I hope you'll stop by the Audi TT UK form and say hello. Not a lot of Mk2 3.2 owners over here in Europe but we have some very helpful tips for all TT owners. Cheers from Switzerland - :-)

[@cmidas3396]

Thanks for the info bro. My thoughts are that there is too much thought/technique that goes into opening the original handle and that I shouldn't have to have anxiety every time I open the hood so I went with the metal spline insert to hopefully deal with it once and for all. I'm interested in knowing if people are still having the same issue with the revised "B" version though

[@cmidas3396]

Hey I just visited the uk ttforum and I'm already registered under koccorey and must've forgot. I'm really interested in tuning the 3.2l motor so I'd love to find any info regarding modifications/tuning it.

[@cmidas3396]

One more thing. After looking at the write up looks like my car actually had revision "B" so looks like it does break.

[@swissjetpilot1542]

@@cmidas3396 If your TT originally had the "B" handle your new "C" handle and 3D printed spline won't fit into the "B" bracket. The "B" handle/bracket is pretty hard to find (here anyway) so you might be better off by replacing both the bracket AND handle to the rev "C". We have found that in most cases, it's cheaper to buy them brand new from Audi rather than paying the mark-up from eBay and other resellers.

[@swissjetpilot1542]

@@cmidas3396 Very cool, always great to have other North American's drop in and say hello! We have a ton of resources so take some time to go through the Knowledge Base and look around. As for 3.2 engine mods, the 3.2 isn't that popular since it was discontinued around 2009-2010. One of our Aussie members swapped out his 3.2 for 3.6 which was quite impressive.

[@PopularityContest]

What you uploading in 4k? That's cute lol I'm proud my boy keep them coming. Bag of salt 🧂 bag of salt 🧂

[@cmidas3396]

Not quite. I gotta free up some space for 4K in my future videos but it's not bad for a beginner😎

[@thomasvolpe9081]

Great Video ! VERY Helpful. Is there a part number / order info for the Metal piece you display ? Many thanks, Tom

[@cmidas3396]

I actually don't have this car anymore. This is custom made by the person I mentioned in the video. I think I may have also put his information in the description.

[@ronradtke1449]

Just saw your video, Thank you, i think you did a great job describing the install.

[@cmidas3396]

Thanks, glad you liked it👍

[@thuggishg3565]

finally some content good shit

[@cmidas3396]

Yeah more coming. Hopefully me , you & popularity can collab on something soon.

[@1950bobster]

Good info, Thanks for taking the time .

[@cmidas3396]

You're welcome I appreciated

[@kevinsnowden4672]

Yah think they would have stopped with the mf plastic for all that money 💰 this is the 2nd one for me as well

[@swissjetpilot1542]

Do you have a source for the 3D printed spline and how did you attach it to the handle, JB Weld...??

[@cmidas3396]

I bought it from WH Houghton in Facebbok. You can send him a message in facrbook about it. The spline just fits into the handle with the 3 tabs line up to the notches in the handle then there's a plastic securing tab that's in the original handle that needs to be removed beforehand then slid in through the slot/opening in the handle and spline to secure them together.

[@pauliwalnuts7822]

Hey all, I now have both printed versions for B and C designs. Hi Corey, hope you love the “new” Audi.

[@cmidas3396]

Thanks man. Glad you got the handle parts going👍

[@irishnewblood]

Beautiful TT mate, I have the exact same one......I'm gonna throw about a 25 or 30 percent tint on mine, have you considered that yourself? I think it will really make the paint pop.....I have the handle problem as well in Ireland, Do you have the AC whirling sound problem? I would be curious to see if the American and European versions have the same gremlins (me being in Ireland,my car is right hand drive instead of left like in the States).

[@cmidas3396]

The car had tint when I bought it. I can't remember if there's a whirling sound from the AC, I don't think there was.It's winter over hear so I haven't used it. If you look through more videos you'll see that someone hit it (just scrathes) so it got repainted. I just had an ECU & TCU tune installed and I installed an intake I'll be posting videos about very soon.

[@Boosted403]

Did u have change the bracket ( Assembly it goes into ) ? Mine just broke few hours ago not sure if I need that as well or just the latch

[@cmidas3396]

It depends on which bracket you have and which handle you get. If you have the original handle and replace it with the same original handle it will fit but the revised version from the dealer comes with a new bracket that will need to be swapped out. Most aftermarket replacement handles I've seen our the old original version. The metal version in my video is modeled from the revised version so you will need the revised bracket for it but I'm currently using it in the old bracket and it works but doesn't push all the way in flush.

[@Boosted403]

@@cmidas3396 when I called the dealer they don’t even have exact same as mine so I’m guessing I’m gonna have to buy an assembly the one they wanna sell me is abit bigger ur saying it will fit but not perfect ? Is ur also part number #8J1823533B if so where did u buy the replacement before buying the 3D one I really don’t wanna spend more than I have too they want 56$ for the handle and 47$ for Assembly bracket ( Canadian prices ) but that’s easily 100$ just to fix😤

[@cmidas3396]

@@Boosted403 I think I had revision b like you with the different longer nose from the latest revision style. The metal one is for the later style which is revision C if I remember correctly. The dealer should be able to get the latest revision for you though. If you get the latest revision number from the dealer you can enter it in ECSTUNING.COM or ebay to see if either has.them for cheaper.

[@micw3992]

Where this you get this?

[@cmidas3396]

I got it from WH Houghton in Facebook

[@pauliwalnuts7822]

Did you ever get what you need?

[@lancehenry8228]

I like that! Keep it up!

[@cmidas3396]

Thanks bro👍

[@CarChris82]

great fix 👍

[@cmidas3396]

Thanks

[@telescope2067]

beautiful car!

[@cmidas3396]

Thanks👍Hopefully it will get better.

[@marklawrence4857]

Hi could you send me 3d print or one of these? Or some decent images?

[@cmidas3396]

You'll have to contact the guy I was talking about in the video. Unfortunately my TT was totaled.

[@JDD207]

The revised version still breaks, trust me.

[@cmidas3396]

Yeah after I checked the part number on mine I found that it was the revised version.

[@supernovaallisondunlap4558]

I'm on my 3rd latch. Had no issues until I let my husband change the oil😂😂😂😂😂💩💩🤬

[@cmidas3396]

The metal insert has been working great fro me. I'm working on having some made to help everybody out.

[@MichelangeloAlbertazzi]

Hello 🤗Thanks, very useful video. I have a question….wich front bumper, honeygrill and split do you mount ? And…are they plug&play ? I have the same tt 3.2

[@cmidas3396]

The frint bumper is from a TTS and I got the grille on ebay. Yes they both are bolt up / plug & play

[@MichelangeloAlbertazzi]

thank you very much ;-) @@cmidas3396

[@cmidas3396]

@MichelangeloAlbertazzi You're welcome 👍

[@bigmac7228]

Are they the 19inch wheels bro and have you lowered it at all. I have the 19s same wheels on my tt s line 2.0 diesel here in the UK and have 30mm lowering prings to go on. 👍

[@cmidas3396]

They are 20inch wheels. It was lowered on Megan springs with stock shocks when I got it. I'll most likely upgrade to Bilstein sport shocks and some other suspension upgrades in the near future.