GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1998 🢒 Malibu 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Seats 🢒 Front Seat Back Hinge and Recliner Mechanism Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 280460 Size: SH
  1. Remove the front seat back. Refer to Front Seat Back Replacement .
  2. Remove the recliner handle.
  3. Remove the outer trim panel fromn the seat cushion.
  4. Remove the J-retainers from the seat cushion cover.
  5. Lift the seat cushion cover in order to acccess the seat back recliner bolts and cable.
  6. Remove the cable retaining screw (4).
  7. Remove the cable (2) from the recliner mechanism (5). Disconnect the cable from the seat back recliner by rotating the cable downward approximately 90 degrees. Refer to Driver Seat and Passenger Seat Recliner Actuator Cable Replacement .
  8. Remove the seat back recliner bolts (3).
  9. Remove the recliner mechanism (5).

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 280465 Size: SH

    Important: When installing the outboard seat back recliner mechanism, use the following procedure in order to ensure that the seat back recliner arm (1) is in the original position:

    1. Look through the slot (2) located toward the rear edge of the seat back recliner mechanism.
    2. Ensure that the rear edge of the seat back recliner arm (1) is aligned with the forward edge of the slot in the seat back recliner and the seat cushion arm (3).

  1. Install the recliner mechanism.

    2. Object Number: 280460 Size: SH

    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.

  2. Install the seat back recliner bolts (3).

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts (3) to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  3. Install the cable (2) to the seat back recliner mechanism (5).

    4. Important: Do not apply excessive force in order to remove the slack. This action may partially unlatch the inboard seat back recliner.

  4. Remove the cable slack by pulling rearward on the cable casing.
  5. Install the recliner cable retaining screw (4).

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the cable retaining screw (4) to 4 N·m (35 lb in).

  6. Inspect the recliner after installing the cable by pulling back and forth on the recliner seat back arm. Ensure that no play is felt. If play is evident, replace the seat back recliner. Refer to Driver Seat and Passenger Seat Recliner Actuator Cable Replacement .
  7. Inspect the seat back recliner for secure latching.
  8. Install the J-retainers to the seat cushion cover.
  9. Install the outer trim panel to the seat cushion.
  10. Install the outer trim panel screws.

    11. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 1 N·m (9 lb in).

  11. Install the seat back recliner handle.
  12. Install the recliner handle screws.

    13. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 1 N·m (9 lb in).

  13. Install the front seat back. Refer to Front Seat Back Replacement .