Seat Recliner - 40 Percent, Inboard: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Before beginning any service procedure, refer to SAFETY WARNINGS . Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

WARNING: Use care when the seat back frame is removed and when releasing the recliners from a backrest upright position. The recliners are spring-loaded, which may cause the recliner upper arms to fold with significant speed/force. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

If equipped with deployable safety belts, remove the safety belt buckle. REFER to SAFETY BELT BUCKLE - 2ND ROW, 40 PERCENT SEAT, WITH INFLATABLE SAFETY BELTS .
Open the cushion cover.
1. Release the clip and separate the strut.
2. Separate the J-clips.
3. Separate the hook-and-loop strips.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Strut Clip, Hook-And-Loop Strips And J-Clips
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
From under the seat, pull the inboard and outboard cushion cover retainers out from between the cushion frame and seat track/riser.

Fig 2: Locating Inboard And Outboard Cushion Cover Retainers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the manual recline handle.
1. Locate the spring clip between the recline cover and handle.
2. Remove the spring clip and slide the manual recline handle off the shaft.
  
  Fig 3: Identifying Spring Clip Between Recline Cover And Manual Shaft Recline Handle
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Pull out to release the retainers and remove the outboard recliner outer cover.
1. At installation, route the strap through the recliner cover.
Separate the cable retainer and cable end at the outboard recliner.

Fig 4: Locating Cable Retainer And End
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Pull out to release the retainers and remove the inboard recliner outer cover.
Separate the inboard recliner.
1. Remove the 3 inboard recliner inner cover screws.
2. Separate the cable retainer and cable end.
3. Remove the 2 recliner-to-backrest frame bolts.
  - To install, tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).
4. If equipped, remove the bolt and the safety belt buckle.
  - To install, tighten to 37 Nm (27 lb-ft).
5. Remove the 2 recliner-to-cushion frame bolts.
  - To install, tighten to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft).
6. From behind the cable retainer, squeeze the ends together and separate.
  
  Fig 5: Inboard Recliner Related Replacement Components With Torque Specifications
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the inboard recliner.
1. Remove the rivet and detach the cable and cover.
2. Separate the cable end from the recliner and remove the inboard recliner.
  
  Fig 6: Identifying Inboard Recliner Rivet And Cable End
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.