Three of the four round adjustable (tilt up/down, left right) vents in the dash won't maintain their position. Hit a small bump in the road and they all end up pointing down towards the floor! Not ideal when your in Texas and its 108 F outside.

Can anyone recommend a fix or even explain how they can be removed so the felt strip that was apparently intended to hold them in place can be repaired?

I hate to say it but these vents and other little squeaks and buzzing remind me of my 75 Audi Fox. Nearly every place two surfaces came in contact with each other had to be caulked or isolated to make that car shut up.

 

Found this thread but no response so I though I'd revive it. I have the same problem with my air condition vents. They won't stay in place, whenever I hit a bump they end up pointing down. Any suggestions on how to fix the problem would be appreciated.

 

the original Miata had this problem (maybe later ones too, dunno 'bout that)

the trick I used successfully was just to put a few strips of black electrical tape on the sides of the ball - roll it was over to one side and put some tape, then roll the other way .... if you get some tape on there at 12, 3, 6, and 9 it will take up the slack that's developed. If you get the tape farther back from the front edge it is invisible too. Did it once and didn't have another problem for years and years of continued Miata ownership. Had a 95 for 12 years and still friends with the guy who bought it ... and still drives it with minimal repairs after all this time.... great car.

 

Thanks Capt_bj I'll give it a try.

 

My car is doing the same thing. Anyone aware of any fixes by MINI? Anyone know how best to remove the vents?

 

Mine do it too. I'm going to try the tape thing I guess. I have some black cloth electrical tape to give it a shot tomorrow.

 

Tape works. I used the cloth type tape, cut a small strip about 2 inches long. Then I cut that in half the long way and applied it to the bottom of the eyeball. That added a bunch of tension to the movement with just the one piece. Now let's see how long it lasts!

 

I went to the fabric/craft store and purchased a sheet of felt with the glue backing.
I cut about a 3" by 1/2' to 3/4"strip, used two per vent.
I pushed the top of the vent all the way in and placed a strip on top of the existing felt material. Did the same on the bottom.
Made a huge difference.

Hope this helps.