Separating cover and upholstery from backrest frame

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required 

Fig 1: Closing Pliers VAS 6138

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

• Closing pliers VAS 6138

Fig 2: Cover And Cushion For Solid Rear Backrest Remove/Install Components (Separating Cover And Upholstery From Backrest Frame)

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

1 - Peripheral fastening strips

2 - Side airbag

3 - Zip fastener

4 - Protective cover for side airbag

5 - Opening in cushion

6 - Support

7 - Cover

• Removal:

• Remove rear seat bench: Vehicles through 10.04 → Seatbench, removing and installing - vehicles up to 10.04 , vehicles from 11.04 → Seatbench, removing and installing - vehicles from 11.04 .
• Remove rear seat backrest → Fixed backrest, removing and installing .
• Remove headrests.

• Headrests with slide in locking mechanism → Headrest with insertion lock, removing and installing 
• Headrests without slide in locking mechanism → Headrests without insertion lock, removing and installing 

• Remove headrest guides:

• Headrest guides with slide in locking mechanism → Headrest guides with insertion lock, removing and installing 
• Outer headrest guides without slide in locking mechanism → Outer headrest guides without insertion lock, removing and installing 
• Inner headrest guides without slide in locking mechanism → Inner headrest guides without insertion lock, removing and installing 

• Use a screwdriver to pry out retaining strips - 1  - all around.
• Slide cover - 7  - at bottom over bracket - 6  -.
• Turn back cover - 7  - in area of side airbag - 2  -.
• Unzip - 3  - protective cover of side airbag - 4  -.

• Remove protective cover for side airbag - 4  - through opening in cushion - 5  -.
• Remove cover and cushion from backrest frame.

• Installing: 

Install cover and cushion in reverse order of removal. Observe the following when doing so:

• Close zip fastener on side airbag protective cover with Closing Pliers VAS 6138.