removing seats and carpets

[j16jrf]

How hard a job is it to do this, want to get the carpets and seats out and steam cleaned this weekend.

I know a few of you have done this before so any hints and tips would be welcome and a roudh timeline for removal and refitting.


Thanks
Jamie

 

[Fen]

Seats are about 10 mins each tops (6 socket headed screws each). The carpets are partially glued in and while they come out easily enough it is perhaps tricky to refit them neatly. I'd guess half an hour would see them out of you really want to though.

 

[j16jrf]

yeah really need to get them out they have never been cleaned properly and look very dirty so want to get the carpets out for a thorough steam cleaning.

What size socket head screws on the seats? I havent even looked yet are they easily accessible?

 

[Fen]

From memory they are 5mm, and they are easy to get to; one each runner front and 2 each runner back. Do the back onees first (with the seat pushed forward) and then slide it back and do the front ones; if you tip the backrest forward it won't fall over. There is one multi-plug under the seat for the motors and heater if you have it. The driver's side also has a second connection for the seatbelt light. The wirse are all plent long enough to let you tip the seat back once the screws are out so you can get under to attach them. Careful not to round off the screws - I use a 1/2" drive socket on a ratchet which just fits. You might get more access if you raise the seat base fully before you start.

Gotchas for refitting are forgetting to connect the wires and tightening some screws fully before getting all of them started.

 

[jboult]

As Fen says the front seats are easy enough - I usually just use an Allen key. Again, when putting them back in don't tighten any until you've got them all seated in the captive nut otherwise you'll struggle. If they're electric raising and lowering the seat as you work front/back gives easier access. Be careful lifting them out - they're heavier than they look.

If you're doing the rear seats, I usually take the seat pan out first (remove the clips on the rear edge, undo the seatbelt points and gently ease it out - note that it is partially glued). By doing this it makes taking the two side retaining bolts out of the seat back much easier.

Cheers/John

 

[carlmthompson]

Hardest bit about removing the carpet is around the drivers side - you need to remove the footrest (easy out, not so easy back in) and the accelerator pedal needs to come out of it's hinge (again a pain). The Handbrake is a pain, needing to be slackened to get the carpet over - watch the sensor, and you also need to remove the bottom seat belt anchors.

The carpets are also stiched around the boot / bonnet release areas where it meets the door seals, so be careful not to rip the stitching.

Oh, and you need to remove the centre console (not difficult), and the carpets are in two parts (front and rear).

Bolts for the seats are a bind as they take forever - I used a ratchet spanner with an 1/4" Ratchet bit and Allen Key socket - plenty of clearance and saves a good 20 mins on a pair of seats!

 

[j16jrf]

thanks guys for this info ill let you know how i get on