Is there a fix to the seat ratchet problem?

[JoeDubya]

Hi all,
I'm really enjoying autocrossing my new-to-me C5, but I am frequently
getting the dreaded ratchet-mechanism collapse on the left side so the
seat back drops back on that side. When I park it and reset the seat
angle with the lever, the left side ratchet re-engages just fine, but it's
unsettling in the middle of a race. If there is a fix anyone knows, even if
it's the instructions on how to find the problem area and tack-weld it to
one setting, I'd be grateful.
Thanks,
Joe

 

[gmjunkie]

Hi all,
I'm really enjoying autocrossing my new-to-me C5, but I am frequently
getting the dreaded ratchet-mechanism collapse on the left side so the
seat back drops back on that side. When I park it and reset the seat
angle with the lever, the left side ratchet re-engages just fine, but it's
unsettling in the middle of a race. If there is a fix anyone knows, even if
it's the instructions on how to find the problem area and tack-weld it to
one setting, I'd be grateful.
Thanks,
Joe

This is from the GM Service Bulletins.

 

[JoeDubya]

Thanks! Interesting that there's no fix though. Yes, I can resynchronize easily when I
pull over, but that note says that the problem is that the two cables don't release at
the same time... I don't want either cable to release at all while I'm driving...

 

[JoeDubya]

Thanks! Interesting that there's no fix though. Yes, I can resynchronize easily when I<br>pull over, but that note says that the problem is that the two cables don't release at<br>the same time... I don't want either cable to release at all while I'm driving... I'll post if I find anything.

 

[gmjunkie]

Thanks! Interesting that there's no fix though. Yes, I can resynchronize easily when I
pull over, but that note says that the problem is that the two cables don't release at
the same time... I don't want either cable to release at all while I'm driving...

Then resynchronize it and it may fix it,My 03 hasn't done it again for over 4 years now!~!!

 

[froggy47]

I replaced the adjusting mechanism on both sides, it is/was available as a separate part @ about $75 each from GM. It helped a lot, but it still drops about once every dozen runs.

It is just one of many "borderline" designs on the car, that don't quite stand up to autox/DE duty.

Sometimes I do the reset procedure each run & that has also helped.

or

Install race seat.

 

[JoeDubya]

Interesting! Is there a DIY writeup on how you do it? I migh strip the seat down to the frame, and
figure out what part of the ratchet is slipping, and see if I can figure a way to prevent it. If not, then
I can tack-weld.

 

[froggy47]

Too easy for a diy, if you are ok with taking the seat covers off/on, the part is right there easy to see.

Just the bottom needs to be peeled up & reattached.



If it were me I'd replace the part before I weld the recliner, I use a different angle for street drive vs. competition.

YMMV

 

[navy2kcoupe]

Maybe get a piece of hard Styrofoam, cut it to fit SOLIDLY between the seat back and the rear body panel, attach a piece of elastic to it,
and put that sucker over the headrest and down behind the seat when you race. Maybe that's all you will need.......
Andy Anderson