GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Front Seat Recliner Mechanism Replacement Bucket

Removal Procedure

The front seat back recliner mechanism is mounted to the inboard side of the seat. The outboard hinge bolts to the seat back and seat bottom.

  1. Remove the front seat from the vehicle. Refer to Front Seat Replacement - Bucket or Split Bench Seat Replacement or Bench Seat Replacement .

  2. Object Number: 276756  Size: LH
  3. Release the seat cushion cover (1) to access the bolts retaining the hinge or the recliner mechanism (5) to the seat cushion frame (3). Refer to Seat Cushion Trim Cover and Pad Replacement .
  4. Release the seat back cover and lift the cover in order to access the bolts retaining the hinge or the recliner mechanism to the seat back. Refer to Front Seat Back Cushion Cover and Cushion Pad Replacement .
  5. Remove the bolts retaining the hinge/recliner mechanism (5) to the seat back frame.
  6. Remove the bolts retaining the hinge/recliner mechanism to the seat cushion frame (3).
  7. Remove the hinge/recliner mechanism from the seat assembly.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 276756  Size: LH
  1. Install the hinge/recliner mechanism (5) to the seat assembly.
  2. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  3. Install the bolts in order to retain the hinge/recliner mechanism to the seat back frame.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts in order to retain the hinge/recliner mechanism to the front seat back frame to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).

  5. Install the bolts in order to retain the hinge/recliner mechanism to the seat cushion frame (3).
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts in order to retain the hinge/recliner mechanism to the seat cushion frame to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).

  7. Install the front seat back cover. Refer to Front Seat Back Cushion Cover and Cushion Pad Replacement .
  8. Install the front seat cushion cover. Refer to Seat Cushion Trim Cover and Pad Replacement .
  9. Install the front seat to the vehicle. Refer to Front Seat Replacement - Bucket or Split Bench Seat Replacement or Bench Seat Replacement .

Front Seat Recliner Mechanism Replacement Split Bench

Removal Procedure

For an illustration view, refer to Power Seat Systems Operation .

The front seat back recliner mechanism mounts to the inboard side of the seat. The outboard hinge bolts to the seat back and the seat bottom.

  1. Remove the front seat from the vehicle. Refer to Split Bench Seat Replacement
  2. Release the seat cushion cover in order to access the bolts retaining the hinge or the recliner mechanism to the seat cushion frame. Refer to Split Bench Seat Replacement
  3. Release the seat back cover and lift enough to access the bolts retaining the hinge or the recliner mechanism to the seat cushion frame. Refer to Split Bench Seat Replacement
  4. Remove the bolts retaining the hinge/recliner mechanism to the seat back frame.
  5. Remove the bolts retaining the hinge/recliner mechanism to the seat cushion frame.
  6. Remove the hinge/recliner mechanism from the seat assembly.

Installation Procedure

For an illustration view, refer to Power Seat Systems Operation .

  1. Install the hinge/recliner mechanism to the seat assembly.
  2. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  3. Install the bolts to retain the hinge/recliner mechanism to the seat back frame.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to retain the hinge/recliner mechanism to the front seat back frame to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).

  5. Install the bolts to retain the hinge/recliner mechanism to the seat cushion frame.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to retain the hinge/recliner mechanism to the seat cushion frame to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).

  7. Install the front seat back cover. Refer to Front Seat Back Cushion Cover and Cushion Pad Replacement .
  8. Install the front seat cushion cover. Refer to Seat Cushion Trim Cover and Pad Replacement .
  9. Install the front seat to the vehicle. Refer to Split Bench Seat Replacement .