Interior - Creaking Noise From Front Seats

TECHNICAL

Bulletin No.: 09-08-50-010

Date: June 12, 2009

Subject: Creaking Noise From Front Seats When In Reclined Position (Revise Recliner Stop Brackets)

Models:
2008-2009 Cadillac CTS, CTS-V
Built Prior to 04-24-09

Condition

Some customers may comment that the front driver and/or passenger seat(s) creak when in the reclined position. This condition is only experienced when the seat(s) are reclined and a load is applied to the seat back.

Cause

This condition may be caused by insufficient clearance between the inner and outer recliner stop brackets and the base brackets. These components are located in the outboard and inboard seat recliner mechanisms located within the seat assembly.

Correction

Use the following procedure to remove the front floor console and seat trim and revise the clearance between the recliner stop brackets and the base brackets on the inboard and outboard recliners.

1. Remove the front floor console. Refer to Front Floor Console Replacement in SI.





2. Partially remove the seat adjuster switch bezel (outer recliner cover trim) by releasing the retaining clips. It is not necessary to completely remove the switch bezel or to disconnect the wiring harness or seat belt.
3. Remove the inner recliner finish cover. Refer to Driver or Passenger Seat Inner Recliner Finish Cover Replacement in SI.





4. Lift the seat material that covers the inner and outer recliner components (outer illustrated).





5. Cycle the power recliner function on the seat and observe the recliner stops. The stop will move in an up and down motion as the recliner travels through its range of operation (outer illustrated).





6. Position the seat recliner in the location that brings the recliner stop brackets and the base brackets closest to each other (outer illustrated).





7. With the recliner in this location, ensure that there is at least 1.5 mm (1/16 in) clearance between the two components.
8. If the clearance is less than specified on the inner or outer recliner, use a large screwdriver to pry the recliner stop bracket away from the base bracket.
9. Cycle the recliner function to ensure there is sufficient clearance through the complete range of operation.
10. Reinstall the seat adjuster switch bezel (recliner cover trim).
11. Reinstall the inner recliner finish cover. Refer to Driver or Passenger Seat Inner Recliner Finish Cover Replacement in SI.
12. Reinstall the front floor console. Refer to Front Floor Console Replacement in SI.

Warranty Information





For vehicles repaired under warranty, use the table above.





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