Since getting my Focus, the rotary dial to divert the air on one of my air vents has been loose, but recently, it's so bad that the vibration of the car would change the setting from open to closed in a few miles. So today I got round to repairing it. On taking the vent out (really fiddly!) I could see nothing obvious broken, so, I improvised (bodged) with some sticky velcro. Now, it works a treat with the velcro providing enough friction to finely adjust the wheel. My favourite style of  repair, easy & cheap...

 

I’ve had these vents apart a fair few times doing some LED mods and picking up a spare set along the way

The round wheel for the vent adjuster has a small cutout in it, maybe 2 - for open and closed positions. There’s then a plastic tang that locks the notch to hold the wheel in position. There’s end of this can fracture over and falls off basically. Think I tried to repair one of these myself but it just broke again

lose arrow points to the end of the plastic arm that flexes allowing the wheel to lock in place but move again without too much resistance

20 minutes ago, troy45 said:

I’ve had these vents apart a fair few times doing some LED mods and picking up a spare set along the way

According t'internet, this rotary dial mechanism breaking is a very common failing in design. I'm positive my 'velcro' repair will outlive us all 🤣 There's really nothing to wear out...

It’s actually this bit that breaks - should be a plastic arm here.

 

It’ll be happily rattling round in the dash now 🤣

23 minutes ago, troy45 said:

It’ll be happily rattling round in the dash now 🤣

No dash rattle, but if you're ever in the area would love you to diagnose a random metallic tinkle which appears to come from rear of car 🤣