GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Front Seat Back Hinge and Recliner Mechanism Replacement All Except Luxury

Removal Procedure

The front seatback recliner mechanism is mounted to the inboard side of the seat. The outboard hinge bolts to the seatback and the seat bottom.

  1. Remove the front seat from the vehicle. Refer to Bucket Seat Replacement .

  2. Object Number: 333631  Size: SH
  3. Release the seat cushion cover in order to access the bolts that retain the hinge or recliner mechanism (2) to the seat cushion frame. Refer to Front Seat Cushion Cover Replacement .
  4. Release the seatback cover and lift enough to access the bolts that retain the hinge or recliner mechanism to the seatback. Refer to Front Seat Back Cushion Cover and Cushion Pad Replacement .
  5. Remove the bolts that retain the hinge/recliner mechanism to the seatback frame.
  6. Remove the bolts that retain the hinge/recliner mechanism to the seat cushion frame.
  7. Remove the hinge/recliner mechanism from the seat assembly.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 333631  Size: SH
  1. Install the hinge/recliner mechanism (2) to the seat assembly.
  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.

  3. Install the bolts in order to retain the hinge/recliner mechanism to the seatback frame.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts in order to retain the hinge/recliner mechanism to the seatback frame to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).

  5. Install the bolts in order to retain the hinge/recliner mechanism to the seat cushion frame.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts in order to retain the hinge/recliner mechanism to the seat cushion frame to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).

  7. Install the front seatback cover. Refer to Front Seat Back Cushion Cover and Cushion Pad Replacement .
  8. Install the front seat cushion cover. Refer to Front Seat Cushion Cover Replacement .
  9. Install the front seat to the vehicle. Refer to Bucket Seat Replacement .

Front Seat Back Hinge and Recliner Mechanism Replacement Luxury Y91

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove the bucket seat from the vehicle. Refer to Bucket Seat Replacement .
  2. Remove the armrest from the same side of the seat as the hinge. Refer to Front Seat Armrest Replacement or Rear Seat Armrest Replacement .
  3. Remove the J-hooks that retain the carpet on the seat back cushion and to the corners of the seat cushion cover.
  4. Remove the seat cover and pad. Refer to Front Seat Back Cushion Cover and Cushion Pad Replacement and Front Seat Cushion Cover Replacement .

  5. Object Number: 300209  Size: SH

    Important: Note the position and length of all the bolts removed. This will assist with reassembly.

  6. Remove the bolts that retain the seat back hinges to the seat cushion and the seat back frame.
  7. Important: Handle the seat carefully when just one side of the seat back is attached to the seat cushion. Improper handling may damage the seat back hinge or the lumbar support cable.

  8. Remove the seat back hinges from the seat frame.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the seat back hinges to the seat frame.

  2. Object Number: 300209  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.

  3. Install the bolts that retain the seat back hinges to the seat back frame and to the seat cushion frame.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts that retain the seat back hinges to the seat back frame and the seat cushion frame to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).

  5. Install the bolts in the locations noted during disassembly.
  6. Install seat cover and pad. Refer to Front Seat Back Cushion Cover and Cushion Pad Replacement and Front Seat Cushion Cover Replacement .
  7. Install the J-hooks that retain the carpet to the seat back and to seat cushion frame and to the corners of the seat cushion cover.
  8. Install the armrest. Refer to Front Seat Armrest Replacement or Rear Seat Armrest Replacement .
  9. Install the bucket seat to the vehicle. Refer to Bucket Seat Replacement .