Body - Unable To Remove Front Seat Mounting Bolt
INFORMATIONBulletin No.: 10-08-50-002A
Date: November 18, 2010
Subject: Unable to Remove Front Seat Mounting Bolt
Models:
2008-2011 Chevrolet Malibu
2006-2010 Pontiac G6
2007-2010 Saturn AURA
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to update the model information, repair steps, Warranty Information and Parts Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 10-08-50-002 (Section 08 - Body and Accessories).
When removing the left or right front seat assembly for service, the technician may encounter a mounting bolt that cannot be removed. The bolt will spin but not loosen. This condition may be caused by the fixed mounting nut (cage nut), located on the vehicle floor, spinning in it's cage. If this nut is broken loose from it's cage, it will spin and prevent the bolt from loosening. Thread lock material on the bolt may also contribute to the difficulty in removing the bolt.
Seat Removal Method # 1
If the seat mounting bolt spins but does not loosen, use the following steps to create a tool that will lock the cage nut into the cage and allow the bolt to be removed.
1. Obtain a flat blade screwdriver with the dimensions shown in the above graphic. A square shank screwdriver is recommended because it is easier to hold in a vise and bend.
Note
In may be necessary to heat the screwdriver in order to create the bend shown in the procedure.
2. Clamp the screwdriver in a vise and create the bend shown in the graphic.
3. Locate the inboard facing clearance hole in the seat mounting bracket on the affected seat bolt.
4. Use a razor blade or knife to create a small slit in the carpeting to allow access to the clearance hole.
5. Insert the revised screwdriver as shown, placing the screwdriver between the cage nut and the cage. This will lock the cage nut into position and allow the bolt to be removed.
6. Service the vehicle as required.
7. When reinstalling the seat, repeat step #5.
8. Always use a new bolt. Do not reuse the old bolt. Apply Medium Strength Threadlocker (Blue), GM P/N 12345382 (in Canada, use P/N 10953489), to the bolts before installation.
Parts Information
* $10.00 (US) per dealership material allowance for screwdriver purchase.
Warranty Information for Seat Removal Method #1
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Seat Removal Method # 2
If the above procedure does not work, use the following procedure.
To remove the seat, the bolt must be cut. With the seat, carpet and trim removed from the vehicle, it will be necessary to remove and replace the floor panel reinforcement assembly. This assembly contains a new cage nut.
Use the following steps to replace the seat mounting bracket (floor panel reinforcement assembly).
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in SI.
2. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SI.
3. Protect the carpeting with cardboard, or similar material, as shown.
4. Cut the bolt using a high-speed body saw with a metal cutting blade, as shown. Use care to ensure that the saw blade is cutting the bolt and not the seat track spacer that is welded to the bottom of the seat track.
5. Remove the affected seat.
6. Remove the trim, carpet and console as required in order to access the repair area.
7. Protect the interior of the vehicle with welding blankets in order to prevent damage from grinding and welding operations.
8. Mark the spot welds that need to be drilled in order to remove the reinforcement assembly.
9. Using a "roto broach" type spot weld removal tool, drill out the marked spot welds. Use care to ensure that only one layer of sheet metal is drilled. Do not drill through both layers of metal.
10. Clean the repair area of any rough metal or weld residue using a small 36 grit grinder.
11. Prepare all mating surfaces as necessary.
12. Apply 3M(R) Weld-Thru Coating, P/N 05916* or equivalent to all mating surfaces.
13. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes as necessary in locations noted from the original floor panel reinforcement.
14. Position the new floor panel reinforcement.
15. Install the floor panel reinforcement using MIG plug welds.
16. Clean and prepare all of the welded surfaces. If the inboard floor panel reinforcement was replaced, it will be necessary to remove the exhaust pipe heat shield to access the under floor paint and anti-corrosion repair steps. Refer to Exhaust Pipe Heat Shield Replacement in SI.
17. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair in SI.
18. Paint the repaired area.
Refer to your GM 4901M Approved Refinish Materials booklet under the heading of Rigid Substrates (Steel and Aluminum) for product selection.
The information for the latest GM Approved Refinish Materials booklet is ONLY online at the GM Goodwrench website. Printed books have been discontinued. Follow these steps to access the site:
• Go to www.gmgoodwrench.com.
• Click on GM Collision Parts.
• Click on GM Technical Repair Information.
• Click on Paint Shop.
19. Reinstall the trim, carpet and console.
20. Reinstall the seat using two new bolts. Apply Medium Strength Threadlocker (Blue), GM P/N 12345382 (in Canada, use P/N 10953489), to the bolts before installation.
21. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection in SI.
22. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling in SI.
*This product is currently available from 3M. To obtain information for your local retail location, please call 3M at 1-800-364-3577.
Parts Information
Warranty Information for Seat Removal Method #2
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use the table.
Disclaimer