Arm rest storage latch broke want a better option than replacement

[defenderdat]

The arm rest latch on the upper portion, I.e. the small storage compartment is broken. It's actually the small latch portion in the padded part that opens up. Has anyone fixed this without replacing the entire compartment? Toyota just shows a $300 replacement item that does more than just this small part. Would love a better option.

 

[2000UZJ]

Velcro, earth Magnets for quick short term solutions. I'm not sure there is a upgrade, or something you could do to fix it permanently. Earth magnets are strong, I use them on my 1:10 scale RC comp rigs, I have yet to loose a body to a roll over or other strike.

 

[odessit]

junk yard if you can find one near you - I would take it apart and look for the part number. I replaced one in ES300 - $5 to pull from the junked one - there are many of those though, but the latch should be used in other Toyotas.

 

[marshotel]

Mine just had a 1 lb. lead weight screwed into the underside of the armrest/ compartment lid. The weight kept the armrest from popping-up, and made it easy to access the small compartment without having to mess with the latch.

 

[Keowee]

Lock sub-assy, 58908-32050 is the spring loaded latch for the lid. You might order at local dealer to avoid the shipping cost. It was $7.14 when I ordered it with some other stuff.

 

[Keowee]

Disregard initial reply. That part # is for the large storage latch beneath padded lid latch.

 

[kingsalmon]

My latch just shattered into half a dozen pieces when I shut it a bit hard the other day -- some of these plastics seem to get brittle with age. Exploded interior diagram for the rear console show the upper armrest lid, but does not show the spring-loaded pushbutton latch that is within it. The diagram does show the lower lock and striker for the bottom compartment. I haven't had good luck finding Cruisers or LX470s in local yards -- I do see the note above that their may be other Toyota/Lexus models with this part. Would Cruiser Dan or anyone else happen to know if you can still source a replacement, and if this part wsa used on other Toyota models? If not an easy one, I like the magnet idea...