The handle popped off the spindle and I'm trying to reattach. The spindle however pushes in a bit when I try to reattach the handle and consequently, the handle isn't grabbing. I'm thinking I will have to remove and see why the spindle has play. It looks like the cover where the seat controls are placed comes off of the seat and then I presume I will be able to access the spindle to see what's going on.

Anyone experience a similar problem and if so can you help me with the fix?

 

The handle is held on with a wire clip. Go to step 10 in the following link to see how things go together.

http://www.vetteessentials.com/instr...er_change.html

 

The splined shaft that the handle slides onto is plastic and not very durable. If you use too much pressure on the lever when you are sitting in the car and adjusting the seat back, or if you sit on the edge of the seat getting in or out of the car and place any downward pressure on the recliner handle, the shaft will eventually break and you will need to replace the shaft and cables that control the seat recline mechanism - it's a one piece assembly. You have to pull the seat out of the car and remove upholstery and seat bottom foam pad to do the job. Ask me how I know. I have a bad back and tend to rest my butt on the edge of the seat getting in - I'm about to do it for the second time. Gene at GM Partshouse can order it for you . Part # for my 02: 10278650 "Cable-D/S". Gene's price - $47.24

I really want an alternative to the stock seats; the only thing about my Vette that tends to P**s me off.

 

Not had a similar problem but pictures might help

 

Another procedure that might help

Document ID# 656467
2002 Chevrolet Corvette
________________________________________
Seat Back Recliner Mechanism Replacement - Front
Removal Procedure


Picture 1

1. Raise the seat to the full up position (power seat).
2. Remove the seat. Refer to Seat Replacement .

Picture 2


3. Remove the recliner handle.
A. With a suitable blunt ended tool inserted between the cushion and the handle push the handle retaining spring clip down.
B. Pull the handle from the shaft.


Picture 3

Remove the side trim panel. Refer to Trim Panel Replacement - Front Seat .


Picture 4

Remove the seat cushion cover. Refer to Seat Cushion Trim Cover and Pad Replacement .



Picture 5

Remove the hinge pin nuts and the hinge pins.
Lay the seatback down
Remove the cables from the actuators.


Picture 6

Remove the seat from the adjuster to access the recliner mechanism attaching screws (Base Seat only).


Picture 7

Remove the screws attaching the recliner mechanism.
Remove the recliner mechanism.
Installation Procedure
Important
Do not lubricate the seatback recliner mechanism.


Picture 7
1. Install the recliner mechanism to the seat frame.
2. Install the cables to the actuators.
3. Securely snap the cable retaining clips to the actuators with the tabs up.


Picture 6
4. Install the seat adjusters to the seat if removed.
Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
5. Apply Loctite™ 271 to the bolts and secure the adjuster to the seat.
Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 24 N•m (18 lb in).

Picture 5
Important
Use a tread locking compound on the hinge bolts.
6. Install the hinge bolts, seatback release cables, and nuts.
Tighten
Tighten the hinge bolt nuts to 24 N•m (18 lb ft).

Picture 4
7. Install the seat cushion trim cover. Refer to Seat Cushion Trim Cover and Pad Replacement .

Picture 3
8. Install the side trim panel. Refer to Trim Panel Replacement - Front Seat .

Picture 2
9. Install the recliner handle.
A. Position the handle retaining spring clip into the lock position.
B. Snap the handle onto the reclining mechanism shaft.

Picture 1
Install the seat. Refer to Seat Replacement

Document ID# 656467
2002 Chevrolet Corvette

 

On the money Dave.

 

snap the clip in place then slide to lever on to the shaft until it snaps into place. I just did a rebuild both of my seat bottoms, so I did this twice

 

Thanks all for the feedback. Much appreciated.

 

Nice to have this institutional knowledge available when it's needed, even 7 years after the last post.

 

I have tge seat apart and a replacement part. The nuts on tge end of the cable prevent removal. Is there a technique to install the new cable? Remove and replace the nut?

QUOTE=c5BlackBeauty;1578617395]The handle popped off the spindle and I'm trying to reattach. The spindle however pushes in a bit when I try to reattach the handle and consequently, the handle isn't grabbing. I'm thinking I will have to remove and see why the spindle has play. It looks like the cover where the seat controls are placed comes off of the seat and then I presume I will be able to access the spindle to see what's going on.

Anyone experience a similar problem and if so can you help me with the fix?[/QUOTE]