I replaced the seat bushings in my 1996 Z3 and need to know how to adjust the bushing carrier. When I removed the carrier to get at the bushings i counted the number of turns (counted 8). I am not sure my count is correct as the carried was a mess. The old bushings virtually melted in the carrier and obscured the edges. I installed my seat and the seat motor appears to be binding. Does anyone know of a way to reset the carrier on the threaded spindle when the original position in not known?
Replaced seat bushings
- Thread starter rmkrause
- Start date
Sounds like you have managed to set the number of turns different on the spindles.
I don't know what a 'default' number would be but I definitely know they both have to be exactly the same. [Ask me how I know
]
If I was you I'd take them off and make sure when you reinstall they are exactly the same. While they are off you could try the motor with no load to see if it is OK. Good luck.
I don't know what a 'default' number would be but I definitely know they both have to be exactly the same. [Ask me how I know
]If I was you I'd take them off and make sure when you reinstall they are exactly the same. While they are off you could try the motor with no load to see if it is OK. Good luck.
It’s a long time since I did mine but if I remember I took both off and wound them to about mid way and measured from the end of the threaded rod to the block. Then set them back in.
I’d think they’d have to be a long way out to each other to bind up, so as suggested check the motor out before you put it back.
The guide elsewhere on the forum provides all the info you need and you can give the interior a really good clean while the seats are out!
Just done mine
look at ‘Rock and Roll in the Sun’
might help ??
( in this same section on the forum )
Where are you … maybe someone in your area could give a helping hand ??
look at ‘Rock and Roll in the Sun’
might help ??
( in this same section on the forum )
Where are you … maybe someone in your area could give a helping hand ??
Last edited:
- Joined
- May 9, 2022
- Points
- 63
- Model of Z
- Z3 Roadster
I'm in the U.S. There just aren't a lot of DIY Z owners around here. I'll get my son to assist...the Z will be his someday as the 3rd generation in my family to own it. I think the instructions are pretty clear and he and I are both pretty comfortable with tools. We do our own brakes and we've done upgrades to both the Z and his hot hatch Ford. From reading, this task just seems a bit....fussy and I know that every time I do something like this something goes wrong.
Installing the cat-back on the Z took triple the time it should have because we could not get those damn exhaust hangers to come off. We bent the specialized tool we borrowed in the process and had to go to the store to get a new (better) one. At least the guy who lent us the tool got a free upgrade!
I'll probably wait until it cools down a bit to do the work. Right now we're running temps in the mid-upper 90's (that's 35+ for you guys over the pond) and super high humidity. Not sure if it's a thing in Europe, but with the consistently high humidity here, which affects your body's ability to stay cool, we have what we call "heat index" which is what it actually feels like. Our heat index is over 100 (38) this time of year. That's miserable temps to try to do anything physical outside.
Installing the cat-back on the Z took triple the time it should have because we could not get those damn exhaust hangers to come off. We bent the specialized tool we borrowed in the process and had to go to the store to get a new (better) one. At least the guy who lent us the tool got a free upgrade!
I'll probably wait until it cools down a bit to do the work. Right now we're running temps in the mid-upper 90's (that's 35+ for you guys over the pond) and super high humidity. Not sure if it's a thing in Europe, but with the consistently high humidity here, which affects your body's ability to stay cool, we have what we call "heat index" which is what it actually feels like. Our heat index is over 100 (38) this time of year. That's miserable temps to try to do anything physical outside.
I finally have my seat back in the car and working. I took the seat mechanism apart and checked every piece. One of my threaded rods had a damaged thread which caused the carrier to bind.. I carefully repaired the rod and put everything back together and the seat works fine.
- Joined
- May 9, 2022
- Points
- 63
- Model of Z
- Z3 Roadster
Do you think it got damaged during the bushing replacement process? Trying to learn so I know what to watch out for.