The seat back rest is raised from the laid back position by
means of two gas struts on the hinge mechanism. These struts are only two of four on the
seat, and are located on the inside of the hinge assemblies. These two struts can be
replaced without removing the seat in most instances.
If seat is to remain in car, remove head rest for clearance. Pull
head rest straight up to remove.
Alternately, remove seat and follow instructions for
removal of back rest.
Release back rest and fold forward.
Remove screw from each lower corner
of backrest cover
Pull knobs off release handles by inserting a small screw driver between
the knob and the plastic base. Large knob on outside of seats shown. Shorter handle
on inside of passenger seat is removed in the same way.
Passenger seat: Remove screw from inner lever and remove.
Push seatback cover up to disengage clips, and remove over handle on
outside of seat by turning seatback cover as you remove it.
Remove upper end of seat back release cables from both sides of the seat.
Cable
is held into handles with a "dog leg". Push the cable rod towards the seat
padding until the "dog leg" comes through the hole in the handle.
This photograph shows a view of the release mechanism as though looking
through the cover and padding. Seat cover and padding have been removed to show the
otherwise obscured side of the handle mechanism for seat back release.
Remove the #3 Phillips screw from the back of each hinge and lift off back
rest.
Struts are now visible on the inside of each hinge.
Use a small screwdriver to remove the retaining clips. Retaining clips are one time use
only, removal damages them, requiring them to be replaced.
Use a screwdriver to pry the spring strut off the mounting studs.
DANGER: Even a bad spring
strut will still be under considerable pressure. Keep fingers clear when removing spring
strut from mounting studs.
Installation:
Spring struts are extremely tight and difficult to compress. Use a C
clamp, or large set of "water pump" pliers to compress the spring strut while
installing.
Photo shows seat height spring strut, installation is the same as for
reclining spring struts.
