I found that my right side down tube on the center stack has stripped screws and might be part of the issue with squeaks inside the dash. Not to mention the cup holder makes the down tube move quite a bit. Is there a replaceable part behind the down tube that the screws screw into?

 

Hmmmm....anyone?

 

The screws that are used are self tappers with a torx head. I believe they screw into the plastic structure that the dash is made of. Maybe go one or two sizes larger with a self tapping torx. That may give the screw enough of a bite to hold the down tube.

 

Thanks I'll have to give that a shot then, was hoping there was some type of snap in type piece that you screw into, sorta like the screws on the door panels. Do I have to remove anything but those screws to remove that down tube?

 

While I am not 100% positive about a 2003 I believe if you remove those screws the down tube should pull out. That way you can have a good look at what the screws go into.

 

When you take off the downtubes, you'll find that the screws fasten into replaceable plastic captive nuts. Sounds like those have been stripped out. I'm pretty sure the part number is 07131472727, but if you'll tell me the build month of your MINI, I can confirm that.

 

Thats what I am hoping I'll find when I get it off, mine is an 08/03 build car. Thanks for the help!