[Mighty-147]

Hello there;

So looking at my 147; just turned 15 last month she did,
The front seats, when the driver gets in and out, the very sporty seats wear more on the edge closest to the door in terms of 'cushion perkiness' as it were- as you get in and out...
If you look at the inner edge and the foam is more shapely etc.

Now of course the seats left to right are different - the lever for the top bit and the drivers use more adjustable for height and lumbar support etc.

However the actual bit one sits on-
Are they symmetrical?
From a manufacturing point of view you'd think so...
It seems like four bolts hold the seat padding to the slidy rails base.
Of course there's wiring for the heated seats
(Warning may trigger airbag warning light here so even before looking at it disconnect the battery and let the car rest for at least 30mins so the airbag firing capacitors de-charge or the mother of all problems will ensue)

but I thought maybe just undoing these four bolts underneath could mean a simple swap over meaning that the driver gets a nice perkier seat...

The bolts are the star shaped ones 'Tork screws' is it?
However I can't shift them!
They just won't undo and has got me wondering if there are bolts opposite but I can't figure out how they'd be assembled as the cushioning is there.

Anyone got any clues
(Apart from 'it's a sign just to leave it well alone!!!)

Maybe there's some glue or super strong thread lock in there as I've already half burred one of them already.

Any suggestions welcome!!!

Thanks!!

 

[Firstcaralfa]

Consider the height and lumbar adjuster if you have them as it will not be the case on the passenger seat.

 

[rc_addicted]

I've got some good condition seats you can have cheap

 

[joeymannero]

I would be interested to know if this is possible as well....

my blackie has a bit of wear on the drivers boltser, if you can swap em it would move the worn area to a ''no traffic zone and replace the drivers with a completely unworn seat...I am not an oaf like the previous owner must have been when getting in and out of the car so chances are it will last the life of the car..

anyone doe it?

 

[Mighty-147]

So just to clarify-
Swapping the base foam/ seat area of the seat.
The backs stay put with the lumbar support.
The frames stay put with the height adjust.
Just the units you sit on.
Unbolt and the look from the top at least like they could simply pop out and swap over.
Still can't remove bolts so may as well leave alone.
Will look at exploded diagram if I can find it though!!!....

 

[Mighty-147]

rc_addicted ;
Thanks for the offer!
I'm keeping to my original seats just wondering how I could swap the bits you sit on left to right...

 

[imski]

So just to clarify-
Swapping the base foam/ seat area of the seat.
The backs stay put with the lumbar support.
The frames stay put with the height adjust.
Just the units you sit on.
Unbolt and the look from the top at least like they could simply pop out and swap over.
Still can't remove bolts so may as well leave alone.
Will look at exploded diagram if I can find it though!!!....

It has crossed my mind as well to attempt this as on my high mileage 147 the driver's seat bolstering has taking a bit of a hammering on that spot too.

 

[typos1]

Hello there;

So looking at my 147; just turned 15 last month she did,
The front seats, when the driver gets in and out, the very sporty seats wear more on the edge closest to the door in terms of 'cushion perkiness' as it were- as you get in and out...
If you look at the inner edge and the foam is more shapely etc.

Now of course the seats left to right are different - the lever for the top bit and the drivers use more adjustable for height and lumbar support etc.

However the actual bit one sits on-
Are they symmetrical?
From a manufacturing point of view you'd think so...
It seems like four bolts hold the seat padding to the slidy rails base.
Of course there's wiring for the heated seats
(Warning may trigger airbag warning light here so even before looking at it disconnect the battery and let the car rest for at least 30mins so the airbag firing capacitors de-charge or the mother of all problems will ensue)

but I thought maybe just undoing these four bolts underneath could mean a simple swap over meaning that the driver gets a nice perkier seat...

The bolts are the star shaped ones 'Tork screws' is it?
However I can't shift them!
They just won't undo and has got me wondering if there are bolts opposite but I can't figure out how they'd be assembled as the cushioning is there.

Anyone got any clues
(Apart from 'it's a sign just to leave it well alone!!!)

Maybe there's some glue or super strong thread lock in there as I've already half burred one of them already.

So just to clarify-
Swapping the base foam/ seat area of the seat.
The backs stay put with the lumbar support.
The frames stay put with the height adjust.
Just the units you sit on.
Unbolt and the look from the top at least like they could simply pop out and swap over.
Still can't remove bolts so may as well leave alone.
Will look at exploded diagram if I can find it though!!!....

Its easy to swap the bases, done it loads.

I ve come across some ones that wont shift, before - they rust in - you have to soak em in penetrating fluid and if that doesnt work get a nut welded on and use a wrench. Copper slip the f out of em when you put em back !

 

[Mighty-147]

Its easy to swap the bases, done it loads.

I ve come across some ones that wont shift, before - they rust in - you have to soak em in penetrating fluid and if that doesnt work get a nut welded on and use a wrench. Copper slip the f out of em when you put em back !

typos1 Wow brilliant thanks!!!

I was trying to 'give it some' before - then thought gosh am I actually tightening it?!?!?
I've shifted plenty of rusted bolts on the car but these look fine!
Yes I'll lube the heck out of it..
wonder if a tap with a hammer would loosen them a bit but really tight access in there!
Just those four tork bolts underneath right?
Right wish me luck!!!,,,,,:biglaugh:

 

[typos1]

typos1 Wow brilliant thanks!!!

I was trying to 'give it some' before - then thought gosh am I actually tightening it?!?!?
I've shifted plenty of rusted bolts on the car but these look fine!
Yes I'll lube the heck out of it..
wonder if a tap with a hammer would loosen them a bit but really tight access in there!
Just those four tork bolts underneath right?
Right wish me luck!!!,,,,,:biglaugh:

As theyre torx so much easier to round off than rusty bolts.
Not lube - penetrating fluid !!
Hammer will just round em off or the torx head will come out of the hole.
Underneath, tight access ? - you trying this with the seats in place ? - Be much quicker and easier if you disconnect battery for 15 mins, (cos of airbags), then unplug airbags, undo the 4 bolts holding the seats in and remove the seats then attempt it.

 

[Mighty-147]

You mean round off as in rounding the metal inside the bolt right?
Burring the edges?
Yeah that's happened a bit to one already dammit!..
Yes penetrating fluid like you say- WD40 yeah?
I've taken the seats out at the base before yes.
I was hoping to avoid that thought they'd just unscrew where they are had no idea they'd be so stuck he other bolts weren't!!!
How can the seat cushion ones rust in like that when the others came out a dream?!
Makes no sense!
Yeah I know all about disconnecting the battery because of those excruciatingly rubbish airbag connectors!
I meant with the hammer-
A little tap directly on the head of the bolt just to shake it in place and break any rust seal. Just a theory dunno if it'll do anything!
Ok well I'd better spray WD40 on there then!
Thanks!!

 

[typos1]

You mean round off as in rounding the metal inside the bolt right?
Burring the edges?
Yeah that's happened a bit to one already dammit!..
Yes penetrating fluid like you say- WD40 yeah?
I've taken the seats out at the base before yes.
I was hoping to avoid that thought they'd just unscrew where they are had no idea they'd be so stuck he other bolts weren't!!!
How can the seat cushion ones rust in like that when the others came out a dream?!
Makes no sense!
Yeah I know all about disconnecting the battery because of those excruciatingly rubbish airbag connectors!
I meant with the hammer-
A little tap directly on the head of the bolt just to shake it in place and break any rust seal. Just a theory dunno if it'll do anything!
Ok well I'd better spray WD40 on there then!
Thanks!!

Yeah thats what I meant by rounding off.
The bolts that hold the seat in are coated I think maybe thats why they dont rust in.
Actually you could probably do it without disconnecting the airbag and just pushing the seat back, but if the bolts are seized I think youre gonna have to take em out.
I tried everything when they were rusted in, the only thing that worked was welding a nut on the end.

 

[gazza82]

Yes penetrating fluid like you say- WD40 yeah?

About as useful as p*$$ing on them ... try PROPER penetrating fluid like plus gas ...

I think there is a WD40 version that claims to be penetrating fluid (not the awful general purpose stuff) - but never tried it on the basis it's probably the same awful general purpose stuff inside!

 

[Mighty-147]

I haven't got the means to weld on to a bolt- and am baffled as it doesn't look rusty round there and it's internal.
More external bolts are rusty and I can move them ok!

What penetrating stuff is best then?
Any links please?
:thumbup:

 

[typos1]

I haven't got the means to weld on to a bolt- and am baffled as it doesn't look rusty round there and it's internal.
More external bolts are rusty and I can move them ok!

What penetrating stuff is best then?
Any links please?
:thumbup:

Any maintenance fluid should do, but its unlikely to help, your ll probably need some heat like oxy or as I said, weld a nut on, I d remove the seats, take em to somewhere with welding equipment and ask em to do it for you.

 

[Mighty-147]

'Heat like oxy'?

Is that for sore knees too? ;-)

I have a heat gun actually I wonder if that'll do anything (apart from melt the velor fabric hahah!):biglaugh:

Might try a sharp tap with a hammer too to knock free rust perhaps?...:yes:

Thanks for quick response by the way! :thumbup:

 

[typos1]

'Heat like oxy'?

Is that for sore knees too? ;-)

I have a heat gun actually I wonder if that'll do anything (apart from melt the velor fabric hahah!):biglaugh:

Might try a sharp tap with a hammer too to knock free rust perhaps?...:yes:

Thanks for quick response by the way! :thumbup:

Lol, you could try oxy on your knees, but I think youd burn them off !

You could try a sharp tap but I tried that on 11 year old seats and it didnt work.

 

[Upex]

Percussive shock always worth a go, just hit them square and hard in the centre, using a big heavy hammer and a punch that fits in the hole without risk of damaging torx splines. If still no joy after proper penetrating fluid, heat and a few heavy hits, it's bolt welding time or leave as is.

 

[Mighty-147]

Well one came loose like a dream!

Access isn't so great on other ones.

I cannot find the torque star bit though anywhere so once I find it that'll help!!

I could ideally do with a torque star but in the shape of an Allen key!!

Will google....

Anyways I put on a load of

'Rust Dissolver'
That 'creeps' in....
So that's been left overnight and I'll see if anything has happened...

 

[sprint_veloce]

I'm hoping you have your torx bit (when found) in the ratchet driver from your socket set. And not in a screwdriver handle.