No kidding. I lost the (+) rubber button during a ride last week. It looks like the rubber breaks down over time. Here is a picture of my (-) rubber button. You can only see the crack when gently lifting the button with your fingernail. My unit is 2.5 years old and Garmin will send me a refurnished replacement for $150
My four-year-old unit just lost the + button last night. Anyone know if Garmin sells replacement button panels?
Just had a couple of my buttons fall/tear off over the weekend. I was sure a search on ADV would turn up a source to an enterprising fellow somewhere. Crap, crap, crap !!! I suppose I'll have to consider a refurbished model from Garmin if in fact they are still doing that for the 550.
That happened to my old 550 a few years ago. Garmin does not sell buttons, not would give anything to help or replace it (if outside of warranty). I have to pay $250 and send it in to a company Garmin deals with, and they sent me a refurb unit. All because they have no plans for fixing that rubber button.
Have the same problem on my Zumo 450. Asked on here with no luck. Looks like the refurb is the best option. I managed to fix mine "ghetto" style for the time being with some clear tape over the button. The tape has enough give for it to still function. Probably just send it in over the winter for the refurb.
I suppose I best make my decision soon, before they stop doing the refurb deal on the 550s. It seems to me that in this day and age the buttons could be sourced by some enterprising person with knowledge of specialty suppliers. It's baffling but I guess it is what it is.
These rubber buttons kepts on braking. :huh Here is a preventive fix: When I noted that the buttons were about to brake again, I went a local crafts-store and bought some rubber-type glue. After light cleaning, I coated the buttons and the surrounding area with that glue. The key is that the glue WILL NOT HARDEN OUT but remains soft, as to allow button movement. Now My ZUMO550 looks like shit with glue all over the buttons, but the buttons stayed in place for a year now, thanks to that glue
If you catch the problem before actually losing the button you can detach the face of the Zumo and fill the button area from behind with silicone caulk adhesive. I've seen pictures of riders who use tire patch material to cover the hole once the button is lost.