GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1998 🢒 Malibu 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Seats 🢒 Driver or Passenger Seat Recliner Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Remove the front seat. Refer to Seat Replacement .
  2. Remove the front seat back. Refer to Front Seat Back Replacement .
  3. Remove the seat belt side buckle. Refer to Seat Belt Side Buckle Replacement - Driver in Seat Belts.
  4. Remove the seat back recliner handle.
  5. Remove the outer trim panel from the seat cushion.
  6. Remove the J-retainersfrom the seat cushion cover.
  7. Lift the seat cushion cover in order to access the seat back recliner bolts and the cable.
  8. Remove the cable retaining screw from the outboard seat back recliner.
  9. Disconnect the cable from the recliner by rotating the cable downward approximately 90 degrees.

    10. Object Number: 280463 Size: SH
  10. Remove the cable (2) from the inboard recliner mechanism (1) using the following procedure:
    11. 10.1. Unsnap the cable casing from the seat back recliner.
    10.2. Disconnect the cable (2) by rotating the cable end downward.
  11. Remove the cable from the recliner mechanism. Discard the cable.
  12. Remove the seat back recliner bolts.
  13. Remove the seat back recliner mechanism (1).

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 280468 Size: SH

    Important: When installing the inboard seat back recliner mechanism, ensure that the following conditions are met:

       • The seat back recliner arm (1) is in the same position the arm was at the time of removal.
       • The lower edge of the seat back recliner arm is parallel to the rear edge of the recliner seat cushion arm (2) .

  1. Install the inboard recliner mechanism.

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


    Object Number: 280463 Size: SH
  3. Connect the new cable (2) to the seat back recliner mechanism (1).
  4. Connect the cable to the outboard recliner mechanism.

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

  5. Pull rearward on the cable casing in order to remove the cable slack.
  6. Install the recliner cable retaining screw.

    7. Tighten
    Tighten the screw to 4 N·m (35 lb in).

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

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

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

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

  14. Install the seat buckle side belt. Refer to Seat Belt Side Buckle Replacement - Driver in Seat Belts.
  15. Install the front seat back. Refer to Front Seat Back Replacement .
  16. Install the front seat. Refer to Seat Replacement .