Loose seat fix - Toyota 4Runner Forum

Kmvreter · 03-15-2005, 11:29 AM

The drivers seat front bottom cushion has been loose and annoying since day one. I don't want to let the stealer touch it because from all I've seen and read here there is no real Toyota fix. I've looked up underneath and the problem seems to be rooted in the adjustment mechanism. I want to take the seat out and look at what I can do. But when I put the seat back in I want to torque it to the correct spec. (this is considered a safety fastener so I don't want to screw it up.) Can someone with a service manual tell me what the correct torque spec. is for the seat rail to floor fastener/nut/bolt? I'll be taking pics if I can come up with a fix.

Hitman · 03-15-2005, 11:44 AM

I don't know the torque spec, but if you are concerned, you could just use a torque wrench to remove the bolts. Just make sure your torque wrench is at a low setting and work your way up until it loosens the bolts.

But I doubt that the torque spec is really critical..... If the bolts did loosen up on you, I'm sure you'd notice it right away.

Kmvreter · 03-15-2005, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hitman
I don't know the torque spec, but if you are concerned, you could just use a torque wrench to remove the bolts. Just make sure your torque wrench is at a low setting and work your way up until it loosens the bolts.

But I doubt that the torque spec is really critical..... If the bolts did loosen up on you, I'm sure you'd notice it right away.

Thanks for the hint on reversing or loosening to get the spec. If I don't hear from others I'll go that route. Seat and seat belt fastener specs. are considered critical by the manufactures because of FMVSS regs. in crash situations.

Kmvreter · 03-16-2005, 03:22 PM

Just checking back. Anyone with a service manual care to look up the seat fastener torque spec?

Jim_Chow · 03-17-2005, 01:36 AM

On my first gen, the bolts holding the seats to the floor are 27 ft-lbs, all seatbelt bolts are spec'd at 32 ft-lbs. Not sure about the newer rigs, though. At least this will give you an idea of the torque range...around 30 ft-lbs.

Having swapped seats, etc., I can't imagine the play in the 4th gen seat has no fix yet.

Kmvreter · 03-17-2005, 01:00 PM

First, thanks for the hint Jim_Chow. I would have started with a much higher torque by accident.

Now on with the work at hand. I removed the seat but after doing this and diagnosing the issue I realized you can install a fix without removing the drivers seat. My fix is semi-permanent in that you wedge the front thigh cushion into a fixed position (in my case, all the way up) but the wedges can be removed if necessary.
Push the seat back on the rails, raise the seat height and thigh cushion adjustments to the top upper positions. This gives you room to work and install the wedges (pics to follow.)
My cushion rear pivot points don't have excess play or movement. The front inboard and outboard adjustment cam & gear have excess vertical play and slight horzontal play. This allows the cushion to shift and make clicking sounds. Right above where the adjustment mechanism is anchored (in the horizontal seat framework) there is an angular gap that is ~15 degrees. I cut small wedges out of hardwood flooring material (this has a groove that fits over the seat framework.) Gently tapped them into place and no more movement.

:soapbox:
After doing this I would not let a stealership replace anything until they come up with a redesign. But don't hold your breath because I believe if Toyota wanted to come up with a fix they would have by now. They could simply use better (machined vs. stamped) gearing and pivots. But as long as it isn't a safety issue they have no incentive to throw money at it. This isn't a service/warranty issue so I won't waste my breath talking to the service writer. However, I will be pointing out my fix to my salesman (who already knows about my issue) so they have a different incentive for a fix if and when they want to retain (or recruit) more business.
Don't get me wrong. My T4R is 1 year old today and now I'm even happier with it. I just have to think back at what I drove before and life is good...