How to replace or upgrade 2nd gen center arm rests

[Hodog16]

I recently sat in a 2010 MDX while waiting for an oil change and was surprised that the center arm rests were much nicer with stitched leather compared to the 2007-2009's.

Also, there have been a few posts here and there asking about how to replace an arm rest in the 2nd gen for various reasons, so I wanted to make an instructional post with pictures.

I ordered the 2010 pieces from Tim. They cost a little north of $100 or so apiece. May seem like a lot for arm rests, but I equate it to buying other interior accessories such as the wood shifter or steering wheel.

I found instructions in pdf form here. If one of you asked this question, then thanks for the $9 you spent .
How do you remove the center console arm rest on... - JustAnswer

This is a relatively easy procedure but the removal of the plood pieces is by far the hardest part. All you need is a philips-head screwdriver and the fortitude to pull on plastic pieces in your MDX.

1. Pop out the rear of the center console:
-Credit to AdamsGuitar from the usaspec post for the first picture.
-Open both arm rests
-Gently pull the top part in the center (where it's sloped behind the screen and then move to the sides and alternate where you pull
-It should pull backward relatively easily. Continue to move down the sides until it sits at a 60 degree angle or so.
-You do not need to remove the entire thing as the instructions above say.


2. Pop out the plastic "plood" line-shaped pieces:
-You can see the first clip easily exposed once step 1 is done.
-Work it down until all four clips are out
-I found it easier to be on the same side as the piece you are pulling out



3. Unscrew and remove the arm rest:
-Four phillips screws to remove
-I found it helpful to move the back of the seat all the way forward and then move the seat back and forth as needed to get to the screws
-Arm rests kinda take a little negotiating to pull out.



4. Insert new arm rest and replace four screws:
-Make sure new arm rest is seated all the way down. Compare it to the other side.


5. Pop back in plood pieces and rear of center console
-Much easier than taking them out.

Comparison pictures of 2007-2009 and 2010 arm rests. Granted the original arm rests are dirty but still the newer ones look much better to me:



Before and after:

[rlynch03]

Thanks for the info...i may try to dive into my wiring upgrade tomorrow.

[Will4271]

Thanks for the write up.

The new ones looks like better quality but is lighter in colors???

Leather appears better quality.

[Hodog16]

To me it looks like a better color match to the seats and perhaps a little lighter. The older ones were dirty in the middle but if you look at the corners it's still darker.

[rlynch03]

The red and white inputs are part of a plug in wire harness, not simple to figure out which wires apply. Does anyone have a resource for the wiring?

I am thinking of buying a 5year subsription to AllData. Is it worth the $50 bucks?

[AdamsGuitar]

Hey, I recognize that first picture Glad it could help you out.

I hadn't noticed the difference between the '10 and previous years, but now that I see it it does look nice. I was originally searching because the little rubber stoppers on the bottom side of the driver's side armrest have basically been, well, smashed. I'm going to continue looking, but if anyone knows of something to do about those apart from buying the above armrests, I'm all ears!

[phins2rt]

Those look great!! Something to think about.

[Hodog16]

^I agree! Love the stitching.

Originally Posted by AdamsGuitar

Hey, I recognize that first picture Glad it could help you out.

I hadn't noticed the difference between the '10 and previous years, but now that I see it it does look nice. I was originally searching because the little rubber stoppers on the bottom side of the driver's side armrest have basically been, well, smashed. I'm going to continue looking, but if anyone knows of something to do about those apart from buying the above armrests, I'm all ears!

Thanks again for the picture. I used yours as a guide to get the courage to pull back on my console.

The new arm rests came with black stoppers, so I still have the black stoppers on my old arm rests. I can see if I can pop them out for you since I won't be going back. Send me a PM .

[RipRocK]

Wow, HD! This is just swell. Thanks for taking the time to take those pictures and providing a write up like this. I just might give this a try one of these days. Thanks again!

[Teg2Xer]

So what was it before? Soft-touch rubber, or leather just stitched underneath?

[1tufgt]

Damn that's a nice upgrade. Do they still have ebony interiors for the 10+'s?

Might do that once mine get a little more worn, or the leather comes up on it.

Do you have the part # for these items?

[Teg2Xer]

Originally Posted by 1tufgt

Damn that's a nice upgrade. Do they still have ebony interiors for the 10+'s?

Yes, I have ebony in my '10 Black Pearl.

[Hodog16]

I'd say the 2007-2009 armrest is more soft-touch rubber than leather. It does not have any stitching, and the cover wraps around the underside. Maybe vinyl? I dunno. Doubt it is leather though based on a comparison.

I don't have the part numbers, I basically got on AIM and spoke with Tim who helped me order the items.

[riontegra]

Originally Posted by Hodog16

I don't have the part numbers, I basically got on AIM and spoke with Tim who helped me order the items.

Here you go:

RIGHT:
83410-STX-A11ZG ARMREST, R. CONSOLE *NH556L*
( GRAY ) 001 2010 MDX 138.73 104.05

83410-STX-A11ZH ARMREST, R. CONSOLE *NH690L*
( PREMIUM BLACK ) 001 2010 MDX 138.73 104.05

83410-STX-A11ZJ ARMREST, R. CONSOLE *YR240L*
( LIGHT CREAM IVORY ) 001 2010 MDX 138.73 104.05


LEFT:
83415-STX-A11ZG ARMREST, L. CONSOLE *NH556L*
( GRAY ) 001 2010 MDX 138.73 104.05

83415-STX-A11ZH ARMREST, L. CONSOLE *NH690L*
( PREMIUM BLACK ) 001 2010 MDX 138.73 104.05

83415-STX-A11ZJ ARMREST, L. CONSOLE *YR240L*
( LIGHT CREAM IVORY ) 001 2010 MDX 138.73 104.05

[lttmkd5]

Thanks Hodog16 for posting the great pics and instructions. Going to have to give this a try....

I need to ask you about one item you have listed for your X....the iSpec ipod controller.....can you fill me in on that item? Does it display ipod info on the screen? I have an 07 and it's killing me to not have that info....

Thanks!