ŠKODA Rapid 2017: How to choose, replace and upgrade

Armrest in Škoda Rapid 2017 is a detail that often goes unnoticed until it begins to cause discomfort. Over time, the plastic cracks, the fixation mechanism breaks down, and the factory upholstery wears to holes. But even in an ideal condition, a standard armrest may not suit the owners: someone lacks softness, someone lacks functionality (there is no cup holder or a compartment for the phone).

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the sleeves for Rapid 2017 model year: from catalog numbers of original parts to step-by-step instructions for replacement. Consider the best analogues from third-party manufacturers, tuning options (including heating installation) and typical errors that are allowed during repair. And also – we will answer the questions that most often ask owners on the forums, for example, why the armrest is not fixed in the upper position or how to eliminate the creak without disassembly.

Original armrests for Škoda Rapid 2017: articles and features

Factory armrest for Rapid (body NH3The 2017 facelift comes under several articles depending on the configuration and finishing material. Main original numbers:

• 🔧 5E6 863 211 B 9B9 - Basic version with fabric upholstery (for complete sets) Active and Ambition)
• 🔧 5E6 863 211 C 9B9 - option with leather finish (for the Style and L&K)
• 🔧 5E6 863 212 B - armrest with a cup holder (optional for some markets)

Important: details with index 9B9 And at the end, it's the color code. "Titanium Grey"It was the most common in 2017. For other shades of the cabin (for example, "Black." or "Beige") the index will be different. You can check compatibility by VIN code through the service ErWin or from an authorized dealer.

The cost of the new original armrest in Russia varies from 8,000 to 15,000 rubles depending on the material. In the secondary market (Avito, Drom) you can find used options for 3,000–6,000 rublesBut here there is a high risk of running into a worn-out fixation mechanism. Before buying, be sure to check:

• 🔍 Status of plastic latches (often broken when used carelessly)
• 🔍 The operation of the mechanism of rise / fall (should be fixed in 3-4 positions)
• 🔍 Integrity of upholstery (especially at the seams and in places of contact with the elbow)

📊 What armrest do you have installed?

• Original (tissue)
• Original (skin)
• Analogue from a third-party manufacturer
• Homemade/tuned
• I don't know

Analogues and non-original armrests: what to choose instead of the original

If the original armrest seems too expensive or you want to improve functionality, consider analogues from third-party brands. Best options for Rapid 2017:

Brand	Article	Material	Features	Price, rubles
Hella	8GA 358 009-551	Plastic + fabric	Holder, phone bay.	5 200
Febi	26316	Plastic + leatherette	Enhanced fixation, 5 provisions	4 800
Topran	103 583	Plastic + velor	Budget option, without cup holder	3 100
Meyle	100 863 0001	Plastic + leather	Premium quality, heating (optional)	12 500

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to mount compatibility. Some models (for example, from Hella) require minor adjustment of the seats - additional holes may need to be drilled or transition plates may need to be used. Check it out, too. heat-cable (if any) for which it is provided: Rapid optimal length. 1.2–1.5 metersIt's enough to get to the safety lock.

⚠️ Attention: Cheap armrests from unknown brands (such as AliExpress) often have fixation problems due to weak springs. If the mechanism does not hold the weight of the hand, the part will quickly fail.

For those who want to save money, but are not willing to sacrifice quality, there is an option. re-armrest. Replacement of upholstery (cloth or leather) will cost in 1,500–2,500 rublesrepair of the mechanism (replacement of springs and plastic bushings) 1,000–1,500 rubles. It is cheaper to buy a new one, especially if the body of the armrest is whole.

Step by step instructions for replacing the armrest with the Škoda Rapid 2017

Replacement of the armrest - a procedure that can be performed independently for 30–40 minutes. You will need:

• 🔧 Screwdriver T20 (or T25 for some fasteners)
• 🔧 Plastic film or flat screwdriver (for clips)
• 🔧 10 mm key (if you need to unscrew the mounting bolts)
• 🔧 Fryer (to soften glue when replacing upholstery)

Sequence of actions:

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal (if the armrest is heated).
2. Move the seat back to the point to access the rear mounts.
3. Remove the decorative pad under the handbrake (plug it with the removable from behind).
4. Unscrew the two bolts of the armrest mount (front and back).
5. Disconnect the heating connector (if equipped) and remove the old armrest.
6. Set the new armrest in reverse sequence.

Disable the battery (if there is heating)|

Prepare the tools (T20, removable, key to 10)|

Take a picture of the location of clips and bolts |

Check the new armrest for all the attachments--

The hardest part is plug-off. It is under plastic protection and often clings. In order not to damage the wires, gently swing the connector left-right, pre-sprayed WD-40.

⚠️ Attention: When installing an armrest with heating, do not confuse polarity! The plus wire is usually red, minus - black. Connection "on the contrary" will lead to the exit of the heating element from failure.

If the armrest creaks after replacement, check:

• 🔧 The density of the adjoining plastic guides (grease with silicone lubricant if necessary).
• 🔧 Tightening of the mounting bolts (intight bolts cause backlash).
• 🔧 The condition of rubber dampers (if worn out, replace them with new ones).

Tuning of the armrest: from heating to additional compartments

Standard armrest Rapid 2017 can be upgraded in several ways. Here are the most popular options for tuning:

1. Heating installation:

   This will require a heating element (e.g., from the Webasto or Eberspächer), thermostat and relay. Heated is connected to the on-board network through a fuse 10A. The optimum heating temperature is 40–45°C (so as not to burn your hand)

2. Addition of cup holder:

   You can buy a ready-made armrest with a cupholder (for example, Hella 8GA 358 009-551) or to modify the standard by cutting the compartment from VW Golf (fits in size).

3. Replacement of upholstery with leather or alcantara:

   To do this, the old fabric is removed, the surface is cleaned of glue, and a new material is glued. Better to use. glue 88 or 3M Super Trim - they don't flow when heated.

4. Installing wireless charging:

   In the armrest compartment, a module can be mounted Qi (for example, Nillkin Magic Disk). It is important to make sure that the thickness of the module does not exceed the 10 mmOtherwise, the lid won't close.

Important: When installing heating, do not use wires with a section of less than 0.75 mm2 - this can lead to overheating and fire. Also be sure to install a fuse on the power line (no more than nominally). 15A).

For those who do not want to make the changes, there are ready-made solutions. For example, the armrest of Škoda Octavia A7 (art. 5E0 863 211) approaches Rapid with minimal modifications - you just need to adjust the mounts. It's wider than that. 3 cm It has an extra compartment for small things.

How do you make a lighted armrest?

LED tape will do for lighting. SMD 3528 (12V) white or blue. It is glued along the perimeter of the armrest compartment and connected to the overall lights through the relay. To ensure that the backlight does not work with the lid open, a reed sensor is installed (for example, Omron D2BW).

Typical problems and their solutions

Owners Rapid 2017 often faces several typical armrest issues. Let us consider their causes and ways of eliminating:

Problem	Reason	Solution
The armrest is not fixed in the upper position.	Wear of spring or plastic latches	Replacement of the spring (art. 5E6 863 501) or the whole mechanism
Creak when moving	Friction of plastic parts or weakening of fasteners	Lubrication with silicone spray or bolt lift
The compartment lid doesn't close.	Deformation of the loop or hitting foreign objects	Loop alignment or lock replacement (art. 5E6 863 602)
Heating does not work	Breakage of the wire or failure of the heating element	Multimeter vertebrating, replacement of the element

If the armrest squanderThe problem lies in the weakened guides. To eliminate the backlash:

1. Remove the armrest (as described above).
2. Check the condition of the plastic bushings on the guides.
3. If necessary, replace them with new ones (art). N 908 132 02 for VAG).
4. Lubricate the guides Litol-24 or silicone grease.

For a temporary solution (if there is no time for repairs) sealing tapeAnd then you put it on the guides. This will reduce the backlash, but will not eliminate the problem completely.

💡

If the armrest begins to creak after washing the cabin, dry it with a hair dryer for 10-15 minutes. Humidity often causes temporary creaking.

Where to buy parts: checked shops and markets

When buying original parts or analogues, it is important to choose a reliable supplier. Recommended options:

• 🛒 Official Škoda dealers Guarantee of originality, but high price. Suitable if you need a detail with a specific color index.
• 🛒 Exist.ru - a large selection of analogues, convenient selection by VIN. Delivery in Russia 3-5 days.
• 🛒 Autodoc.ru - there are often discounts on brands Febi and Topran. You can order with the selection of the car model.
• 🛒 Avito / Drom It is cheaper, but the risk of running into a broken part. Always ask for a photo of the fixing mechanism.
• 🛒 AliExpress Only for small things (buttons, latches). Armrests assembled often do not correspond to the declared quality.

When purchasing used parts, pay attention to:

• 🔍 The condition of the plastic (whether there are cracks near the fasteners).
• 🔍 The mechanism works (ask the seller to take a video).
• 🔍 All clips and bolts are available (often lost when removed).

If you order a part from Europe (for example, through the eBay or AmazonPlease note that delivery may take up to 3-4 weeksCustoms duties will increase the cost of 20–30%.

⚠️ Attention: When buying an armrest from disassembly, check that it is suitable for Rapid 2017 (body NH3). Details from dowrestyling models (up to 2017) or from Rapid Spaceback They might not fit the mounts!

Owner reviews: pros and cons of different solutions

On the forums SkodaClub and Drive2 owners Rapid 2017 is actively discussing armrests. Here are the most frequent reviews:

• ✅ Original armrest (skin):

  “The dealer’s new pick is the quality, but the price bites. But no creaking for 2 years.Alexey, Moscow)

• ❌ Analogue from Topran:

  I took a cheap option - six months later I started creaking. I had to take it apart and grease it.Igor, Ekaterinburg)

• ✅ Heated tuning:

  “I put the heat from Webasto, and in winter my hand freezes. Minus only in price (out ~ 7 thousand). with installation.Dmitry, Novosibirsk)

• ❌ Armrest with AliExpress:

  "Ordered for $2,000. - came with curved mounts. I had to finish it with a file.Sergey, Kazan)

Many owners note that even the original armrest begins with time. sag It's because of the weak springs. This is done by replacing the springs with stiffer ones (for example, from the VW Passat B6 - article number 3C6 863 501).

It's also a popular rework. installation of an additional compartment for the phone. This is done by the organizers of IKEA (for example, VARIERA) which is attached to a double-sided tape inside the armrest. The main thing is not to overload the cover, otherwise the fixation mechanism will quickly fail.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Škoda Rapid 2017 armrests