Seat bushes

[Ianmc]

Have spent today trying to fit replacement bushes to cure the seat wobble issue common to many Z3s.

Fitted the bushes supplied by X8R Ltd but did struggle getting the mechanism lined up (I forgot to count the turns to undo the shaft, silly billy). Eventually got the seat back in the car (passenger side) but the electric fore and aft movement doesn't work, seat raises and lowers electrically and there is a click when trying to move seat back and forward, so power seems OK.

I have obviously done something wrong. Had the seat in and out of the car three times this afternoon. Everything seems as should be so I have run out of ideas. Any experience (failing divine intervention) or ideas would be most appreciated. Can't of course move the seat forward to install the holding bolts.

Wish I had manual seats!!

 

[andyglym]

When you put it back together did you ensure the flexible metal rod was housed correctly?

 

[Ianmc]

Yes, second time I thought I might have found the problem as the metal rod on the end of the main shaft separated from it as I pulled the main shaft out. Made sure it went back properly and in to the little rubber grommet. Unfortunately no change to symptoms.

Thanks for the thought Andy, might need to look again

 

[Ianmc]

Good news is that the first seat (passenger) now works, having adjusted the mechanism again. Sorted but haven't a clue how.

So on to the drivers seat, taking great care to count turns etc and put back together as was. Have now "adjusted" 4 times and it still won't work. Car therefore OTR as cant insert rear bolts. Bump for any ideas please.

 

[Nodzed]

Ian did you remove both screws/mechanisms and then put them both back on equally when you adjusted them?

 

[Ianmc]

Ian did you remove both screws/mechanisms and then put them both back on equally when you adjusted them?

Thanks yes, have done that 4 times now!

 

[Nodzed]

Thanks yes, have done that 4 times now!

Hopefully someone will have a suggestion soon Ian.

 

[ZingoelBurro]

I had the same problem! It took me hours of trial and error before I found out what the problem was... I had tightened the screws to tight on the metal thingy that holds the bushings (see picture). Loosen the screws and problem solved! Hope it works for you as well. Cheers.

 

[ZingoelBurro]

These screws.

 

[Antm72]

The above seems a resonable answer as too tight would bind the mechanism but did you slacken off these to resolve the first issue ?
Hope it resolves it nothing like fixing one fault and creating another

 

[Ianmc]

Thanks for that, have had the seat in and out of the car 3 more times this morning already, getting good at this bit!!! (8 times all up I think!)

Those two screws are torque screws that attach the "metal thingy" to the slider. As the screw bar turns, the "metal thingy" makes the rail slide (I think?). Forgive me, but how would loosening them help please? Wouldn't it just put additional slack in the mechanism and perhaps rattle?

That said, I will try your suggestion next week and I am really grateful for it. I managed to get the passenger seat working after 3 attempts but haven't a clue how I "fixed it" though. Have just put the car back together minus the two rear bolts and the seat feels firm - at least the new bushes are working, the originals had all but disappeared and there must have been half an inch of movement.

Thanks again zingoelBurro

 

[ZingoelBurro]

My seats has worked like a sharm so no other issues

 

[ZingoelBurro]

Ianmc, no rattle or slack, just smooth rattle free glidning sport seats. My amateyr guess would be if you tighten the screws to tight you "bend" the screw bar and the mechanism gets stuck.

 

[Ianmc]

Ianmc, no rattle or slack, just smooth rattle free glidning sport seats. My amateyr guess would be if you tighten the screws to tight you "bend" the screw bar and the mechanism gets stuck.

Sir, you are a gentleman and a scholar!!!! Just loosened the torque 4 x bolts above and it works fine, problem solved. I am really grateful for the steer and owe you at least a few beers. Sanity restored, thanks again.

Ian

 

[Antm72]

Great news glad it resolved another show of why this forum is great ...collective minds and all that