Wobbly seat back and trim cleaning

[Telegram Sam]

1. Since I first drove the car the backrest of the passenger seat, when not occupied, has "rattled". I've mentioned it to various bodywork people from time to time but they all said just live with it. Other than renting a passenger is there anything I can do?

2. Anything particular for lifting the grime that over time accumulates in the grooves in the imitation leather PVC interior trim without making the surface go glossy? Or might I just as well use Fairy Liquid rather than something more exotic?

[Cavalier342]

Whenever the front seat made a rattle in my old Cavaliers, I just turned the recliner adjustment knob a little bit either way and it killed the rattle. Same with the headrests.

As for interior cleaning, I've only ever used dash cleaner spray, it does give it a shine but tackles the dirt with a bit of elbow grease.

[Telegram Sam]

Such is "progress" from the old Cavaliers to the not so old ... Doesn't work with mine but I suppose it might be something to do with my seat in particular.

I'd not want there to be a shine on the dashboard top which would reflect in the windscreen. Sounds like its gotta be F liquid + elbow grease unless someone's got a better remedy.

[HAIRIBO]

Use matt dash cleaner. Use the foam stuff and wipes on my dmax pick up. Nice factory satin finish. Used it in my cav too,tum great affect.... It's about £5 or so. Don't use cheap stuff from tho pound shop

[Telegram Sam]

Does it have a brand name to assist ID? Halfords TVTE / Sld / Washington job?

[Envoy CDX]

Dab of fairy liquid on a sponge, a toothbrush and a little bit of water for the dash.

As for the seat does it rattle if you grip the seat and rock it back and forth?

[Telegram Sam]

Not the seat itself, just the backrest when no one is sat on / leaning against it.

[Envoy CDX]

Not the seat itself, just the backrest when no one is sat on / leaning against it.

I'll have a look at the weekend. If it's what I think it is, it'll be the cog for the adjuster has worn down.

[sribobby]

Maybe a blow up doll in the seat wud help a bit or a bit of grease. At least a doll wudnt need any attention lol

[Telegram Sam]

Not the seat itself, just the backrest when no one is sat on / leaning against it.

I'll have a look at the weekend. If it's what I think it is, it'll be the cog for the adjuster has worn down.

You might be right except that I seem to think that it's been like this more or less from new - and there hasn't been much need for adjustment since then to cater for different dolls and things. It is irritating on long journeys.

[Cavalier342]

Maybe a blow up doll in the seat wud help a bit or a bit of grease. At least a doll wudnt need any attention lol

Airplane!!

[ilovedmymantas]

Maybe a blow up doll in the seat wud help a bit or a bit of grease. At least a doll wudnt need any attention lol

Wouldn't it need to be pumped with liquid past half-way mark to weight the seat. Ah....... now I see where the grease comes in

[Telegram Sam]

It's (or was) my seat - will someone please explain what you're doing to it

[juniordyc]

If I remember from my old memory, dependant on year there should be black plastic castors fitted to the seat base that the squab secures on to. These are held in position with circlips and can be adjusted to tighten the back to stop Rattle's the castors are easily visible on 3 door Vauxhall but be careful not to over adjust as this can make any adjustments tight
Hope this helps
Davie. C

[Telegram Sam]

I must check this out. When you say seat base is that at the foot of / behind the backrest itself? In case I'm blind would you or anyone reading have a pic?

[juniordyc]

I will try and get some pics, the round plastic mounting is the same on most vx models, it runs off centre of the locating pin on the base frame and turning it left or right can tighten the backrest mounting, on later saloon/hatch models only 1was fitted with a bolt on the opposite side of the frame

[Telegram Sam]

Pics would be appreciated. Should what you describe be clearly visible, if you know what you are looking for, or do you have to dig around "inside"?

[Telegram Sam]

"I will try and get some pics, the round plastic mounting is the same on most vx models, it runs off centre of the locating pin on the base frame and turning it left or right can tighten the backrest mounting, on later saloon/hatch models only 1was fitted with a bolt on the opposite side of the frame"

Any joy with the pics?