Creaking and rattle of drivers/passenger seats
Discussion
Hi again,
Many people in the past have commented about the creaking/rattle/tapping noises on the Monaro front seats, it does is especially when you shift body weight (on the twisty corners etc). Anyway, just thought I would let you know the cure !!
First the problem - the internal mechanism has several plastic to plastic contact parts and the lumbar support allows some movement/slop. Hence the tap, tap when shifting weight. Also you may get the noise when you first sit in the seats or when you smack the seat with you hand etc.
Cure - First of all you need to buy four (I bought eight just incase but you need 4) clips to replace the ones which break when you remove the seat covers on the seats (they are designed to break when removed). The part code is 92140918, I bought mine from the wonderful chaps at Greens (Steve, thanks for the brilliant service and delivery). You need to lift the panel from the bottom and pull away, it will come off easy enough. You may notice how rusty the inside of the seats are (my passenger seat was showing alot of surface rust - seat is a March 2005 build), I suspect the Aussies leave the frames outside before construction.
Then get loads of grease, I used lithum and pack out the lumbar support mechanism which is on the winder/thread you move on the side of the seat. Basically, there is a outer section which moves on the thread, this when on the slack settings it pivots and taps on the thread mechanism. Next grease the lumbar support as it passes the main plastic rear section (there is a single piece of white plastic which is the rear section to support the foam).
Next the top section, I greased the springs on the top and side sections. At the top you will notice two plastic sections, the main single piece as above and a support section which connects to the head rests - these two also contact one another. I greased the contact points and also used some sticky felt to prevent this from tapping. I also grease a few other sections in there but I was making sure I don't have to do the job again.
Next, test the results by sitting in it and generally jiggling about - it should be nice and quiet. Then replace the clips (which are a pain to remove and install the new ones (I used a DIY clamp) and push the backing back on.
Job done - pretty easy job and oh so much quieter. I even put some of my foam soundproofing on the cover to make it extra quiet.
Cheers
Steven
Many people in the past have commented about the creaking/rattle/tapping noises on the Monaro front seats, it does is especially when you shift body weight (on the twisty corners etc). Anyway, just thought I would let you know the cure !!
First the problem - the internal mechanism has several plastic to plastic contact parts and the lumbar support allows some movement/slop. Hence the tap, tap when shifting weight. Also you may get the noise when you first sit in the seats or when you smack the seat with you hand etc.
Cure - First of all you need to buy four (I bought eight just incase but you need 4) clips to replace the ones which break when you remove the seat covers on the seats (they are designed to break when removed). The part code is 92140918, I bought mine from the wonderful chaps at Greens (Steve, thanks for the brilliant service and delivery). You need to lift the panel from the bottom and pull away, it will come off easy enough. You may notice how rusty the inside of the seats are (my passenger seat was showing alot of surface rust - seat is a March 2005 build), I suspect the Aussies leave the frames outside before construction.
Then get loads of grease, I used lithum and pack out the lumbar support mechanism which is on the winder/thread you move on the side of the seat. Basically, there is a outer section which moves on the thread, this when on the slack settings it pivots and taps on the thread mechanism. Next grease the lumbar support as it passes the main plastic rear section (there is a single piece of white plastic which is the rear section to support the foam).
Next the top section, I greased the springs on the top and side sections. At the top you will notice two plastic sections, the main single piece as above and a support section which connects to the head rests - these two also contact one another. I greased the contact points and also used some sticky felt to prevent this from tapping. I also grease a few other sections in there but I was making sure I don't have to do the job again.
Next, test the results by sitting in it and generally jiggling about - it should be nice and quiet. Then replace the clips (which are a pain to remove and install the new ones (I used a DIY clamp) and push the backing back on.
Job done - pretty easy job and oh so much quieter. I even put some of my foam soundproofing on the cover to make it extra quiet.
Cheers
Steven
Not sure if its related, but maybe useful info. I had my 04VXR in at Bellengers last week for a pre RWYB health check, and while it was in they carried out a "recall" replacement of part of the drivers seat, some springs or something. Can't say I notice any difference, but if its a recall item I guess it should be done.
Hi Boyce,
The spring recall was due to a grounding issue on the seats, basically Holden added a spring on the front of the seats to provide an extra ground for static build up when entering/leaving the car. The story goes that a couple of people set off the airbags due to static build up. Vauxhall did the recall 3-4 months ago, most peoples cars should have already had this done (I am sure some have slipped through the net though).
Take a look at the inner front sections of the seat rails - you should find the metal springs from the seat to the lower rail.
Cheers
Steven
The spring recall was due to a grounding issue on the seats, basically Holden added a spring on the front of the seats to provide an extra ground for static build up when entering/leaving the car. The story goes that a couple of people set off the airbags due to static build up. Vauxhall did the recall 3-4 months ago, most peoples cars should have already had this done (I am sure some have slipped through the net though).
Take a look at the inner front sections of the seat rails - you should find the metal springs from the seat to the lower rail.
Cheers
Steven
don't think it actually happened to anyone re the airbags but was more a preventative measure against a theoritical situation that could occur, more chance of winning the national lottery than it actually happening to you. They started sending the letters out around March 2006, I'd imagine anyone buying a new car from then on will not need to have it done as it should already have been fitted. There are two things to check for that will indicate if its been done - a yellow paint dot on the runners and a red sticker in the engine bay on the plastic radiator cover - if they've followed the recall instructions correctly! Wasn't just a UK problem either iirc, there was some discussion on the Oz and US boards as well.
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