Jammed Seat Runner?

[OEM+]

Greetings, All!

Hope you're all staying safe during these lockdown days... seeing as I can't use the time to actually drive my 'lude, I'm attempting to use the time productively, fixing and tidying up anything that needs fixing or tidying.

I've already run into issues, though - my passenger seat base won't move back as far as the driver's seat. All other adjustments are fine. I've got the seat out of the car and, while the inner runner (with the lever mechanism on it) moves freely over the full length of adjustment, the outer runner does not... and I can't see why? I can't even move it far enough to give me access to the rear bolt so that I can remove it from the seat.

Is this a common fault? Something someone has resolved before? I've done a quick search but can't find anything on the subject, so - if anyone has any experience of this or ideas on how to fix it, I'm all ears... otherwise, tomorrow it'll be time for some percussive maintenance!

[km666]

Sounds like a physical obstruction. Have you checked for any little stones or anything? A dent to the rail?

[vanzep]

only thing i can say is that on 4th gens the seats can be a bit tough to put them back or forwards
i would check the release arm is working ok and spray some silicone based spray on the runners and leave it for a day and try again

[OEM+]

Sounds like a physical obstruction. A dent to the rail?

Think you're on to something, there.

Runner seems clear of foreign obstructions and moves freely otherwise, but I've discovered a point on the lower part of the rail that's been neatly 'punched' upwards - the little raised area created is what fouls against the bearing and stops the runner moving.

I understand why this has been done, but am curious if it's been done in the right place!

[nitin_s1]

I had a similar problem with my aftermarket ones. Turned out that while I took them out to change to red SiR carpet, one of the teeth got bend and it prevented me from moving forward/backwards. Was an easy fix.

[OEM+]

That's a good call - and it was certainly one of the first things I checked for, thinking the adjustment mechanism itself might be at fault - but everything in that department is working fine, so no easy fix for me just yet.

Still unable to dismantle the runner in order to take it off the seat base today, I did find a really bright torch to peer down the runner with. I think I can safely say that the centre roller/bearing thing has come adrift. Despite not being where it should be, it's somehow still allowing free movement of the runner - but that's what seems to be fouling the indentation on the runner and leaving me with only a few inches of travel.

So, I'm now scouring the internet for a component diagram of the runner so I can know for sure. Or, a replacement runner.

[Andyjess666]

@lankysod would have a replacement mate

[Lankysod07]

@lankysod would have a replacement mate

Yeah I've got one if you need one bud

[OEM+]

@Lankysod07 to the rescue!

All sorted - it took a hacksaw to persuade my knackered runner to finally part company with the seat base, but only a couple of minutes to get the replacement runner fitted and the seat bolted back in my car... my taller passengers will be well chuffed to now have the full amount of legroom.

Many thanks to Lankysod07 for taking time out of his busy workday to arrange a smooth social-distancing transaction, and for sorting a few extra clips and bits to keep me busy as lockdown continues!

[Lankysod07]

You are very welcome buddy, glad we could get you sorted with the bits you needed

Sorry it was so distanced and that I had to rush back to work but I'm sure we'll catch up again at some point.

Take care bud!