Broken seat back
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Broken seat back
I have been reading about Vettes with broken seats, but none seem to be my exact problem. The bottom portion is tight and stable, the back portion will move when I turn and my weight shifts. I also feel the lower left part of the back move when shifting. All of this is coming from the hinge area on the left side. I will soon be taking the seat out for the winter in hopes of finding the problem. Any suggestions.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
It’s an easy fix. If one side of the seat back twists, its not the regular “rocking seat” problem that you hear about, it’s the "seat twisting" problem.
Move the seat fully forward. Recline the seat as far as it will go and release the recliner handle to lock the seat back. Bring the seat fully upright and release the recliner handle to lock the seat back.
This resynchronizes the outboard and the inboard recliner mechanisms. Check that it’s worked by applying pressure to the headrest.
Mine's a pint of bitter
Move the seat fully forward. Recline the seat as far as it will go and release the recliner handle to lock the seat back. Bring the seat fully upright and release the recliner handle to lock the seat back.
This resynchronizes the outboard and the inboard recliner mechanisms. Check that it’s worked by applying pressure to the headrest.
Mine's a pint of bitter
Last edited by DeeGee; Dec 4, 2008 at 03:39 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,280
Likes: 1
From: atlantic city new jersey
It’s an easy fix. If one side of the seat back twists, its not the regular “rocking seat” problem that you hear about, it’s the "seat twisting" problem.
Move the seat fully forward. Recline the seat as far as it will go and release the recliner handle to lock the seat back. Bring the seat fully upright and release the recliner handle to lock the seat back.
This resynchronizes the outboard and the inboard recliner mechanisms. Check that it’s worked by applying pressure to the headrest.
Mine's a pint of bitter
Move the seat fully forward. Recline the seat as far as it will go and release the recliner handle to lock the seat back. Bring the seat fully upright and release the recliner handle to lock the seat back.
This resynchronizes the outboard and the inboard recliner mechanisms. Check that it’s worked by applying pressure to the headrest.
Mine's a pint of bitter
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
While I was looking for the problem I took my wifes mirror and shined it under the seat from the rear, it looked like I had a broked rod that had been welded back in place. This is a small 1/4 steel rod that goes from one side of the seat frame to the other at the rear almost touching the carpet. I dont seem to be able to lift the back of the seat up with the power switch. Is this part or my first problem or another problem. I have other cars that the back of the seat will lift, I,m sure the Corvette should.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 9,420
Likes: 8
From: Southern New Jersey, The wet part at the bottom
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
Dave! You are a very valuable asset to this group of enthusiasts (count me in on the number count!). Whether it's sharing the $13 Vert electric antenna mast repair or this beauty here. Thank you sir (insert British Jack smiley here) 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 25
From: If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. South West Florida / Livin' The Dream
St. Jude Donor '12
It’s an easy fix. If one side of the seat back twists, its not the regular “rocking seat” problem that you hear about, it’s the "seat twisting" problem.
Move the seat fully forward. Recline the seat as far as it will go and release the recliner handle to lock the seat back. Bring the seat fully upright and release the recliner handle to lock the seat back.
This resynchronizes the outboard and the inboard recliner mechanisms. Check that it’s worked by applying pressure to the headrest.
Mine's a pint of bitter
Move the seat fully forward. Recline the seat as far as it will go and release the recliner handle to lock the seat back. Bring the seat fully upright and release the recliner handle to lock the seat back.
This resynchronizes the outboard and the inboard recliner mechanisms. Check that it’s worked by applying pressure to the headrest.
Mine's a pint of bitter
Another 
for Dave. I had the same problem a year a go and this process fixed it.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 625
Likes: 1
From: Aledo Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
While I was looking for the problem I took my wifes mirror and shined it under the seat from the rear, it looked like I had a broked rod that had been welded back in place. This is a small 1/4 steel rod that goes from one side of the seat frame to the other at the rear almost touching the carpet. I dont seem to be able to lift the back of the seat up with the power switch. Is this part or my first problem or another problem. I have other cars that the back of the seat will lift, I,m sure the Corvette should.
The small 1/4 steel rod at the back makes the back of the seat go up and down. I can't see how this would effect the seat back problem. Have you tried the "seat twisting" fix yet?
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver BC
If you die and go to heaven
There will be guys like DeeGee and the other Corvette Forum guys at the gate.
Can't tell you how much I appreciate what seemed to be a tough 3 hour fix that took a minute. Magico as they say in Mexico.
Can't tell you how much I appreciate what seemed to be a tough 3 hour fix that took a minute. Magico as they say in Mexico.
