Rear Seat Cushion - Pop or Snap Sound

File In Section: 08 - Body and Accessories

Bulletin No.: 00-08-50-011

Date: October, 2000

TECHNICAL

Subject:
Rear Seat Cushion Pop or Snap
(Install Rubber Hose Into Bottom of Seat Retainer Clip)

Models:
1999 Buick Century, Regal

Condition

Some customers may comment on a popping or snapping sound when downward pressure is applied to the rear seat cushion at either outboard seating position. Some vertical cushion movement may accompany this sound.

Cause

The rear seat retainers may allow some vertical movement of the seat cushion. When the rear seat cushion is in it's static state, the front of the seat cushion will be raised as far as the retainers will allow. When the outboard seating positions are loaded, the seat drops to the lowest position that the retainers will allow with a pop or snap.

Correction

Install a short section of rubber hose into the bottom of the retainer. The rubber hose will insulate the metal "T-Clip" on the seat frame from contacting the bottom of the clip installed to the floorpan. The hose will also fill the extra space in the clip, allowing the seat to be retained with an air gap under the cushion for proper passenger compartment ventilation.

Procedure

1. Remove the rear seat bottom cushion by pulling on the two release loops located at the forward bottom edge of the seat cushion.

2. Remove the plastic seat retainers from the floorpan with the blade of a flat screwdriver. Examine the clips to ensure they are intact and that no retaining tabs are broken. Replace any clip that visibly shows damage

Notice:
If heavy loads were carried on the rear seat cushion or if undue force is used to remove the seat retainers, they may crack. You must replace a damaged retainer for proper seat retention.

3. Cut two 3.5 cm (1-3/8 in) lengths of reinforced 6.35 mm 1/4 in) inside diameter rubber hose, P/N 9438257, or equivalent.

4. Make a single cut down one side of the entire length of each hose. The hose will still retain it's shape.

5. Insert the hose with the cut side up into the bottom of the seat retainer clip. Close the clip so that it locks and captures the hose. When the clip closes, you should see the hose captured at the bottom of the clip with the cut side up and centered. The hose will roll open slightly due to being compressed in the clip. Repeat for the second clip.

6. Insert the seat retainers into the floorpan until they lock in place.

7. Install the rear seat cushion to the vehicle. Push downward on the front edge of the cushion to lock the seat frame in place. Some additional force may be required to lock the seat in place.





Parts Information
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.





Warranty Information
For vehicle repaired under warranty, use the table.





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