Driver seat back play/movement

[Bigsi15]

Evening
I have some movement in the seat back on my electric adjusted driver seat in the direction of recline/incline. If I get out the seat I can rock it back and forth by holding the head rest. Only a small amount but when I brake hard it sometimes clunks a bit and it's getting annoying. I can't find anything on this topic so wonder if anyone had an idea? Feels like a worn gear somewhere in the recliner mechanism. Otherwise function is fine!

Thanks

[MoleT-5R]

Are you sure the fixing nuts are not loose..?

[Bigsi15]

TBH no I haven't looked, are they easily accessible? Would be nice if it was jus that!

[Bigsi15]

They seem fixed ok. It feels like it's coming from within the gearing at the hinge of the backrest

[mk3phill]

Try adjusting the seat forwards or back a bit so it's on different teeth..constant pressure from getting in out,breaking and acceleration could have simply worn,opened out the gear teeth. I knotice this on mine other day also

[Bigsi15]

Thanks buddy I think I have tried that to some effect but your thinking what I'm thinking too in that it's just worn out! Guess these gears can't be replaced?

[htomi]

Are you the original owner? Are you aware of any accidents in the past?
Based on the description you gave the issue could be related to a hinge which is part of the WHIPS system. The hinge is responsible to reduce the back slash if the car is hit from the back. If that piece is damaged, then the seat will have movement.

[Bigsi15]

Very interesting I didn't know about that. I'm not the original owner no but have to admit there is no sign of any rear end damage and the tailgate and bumpers look original (rusting lol)

[kristen090]

Have you ever tried adjust the seat forwards?

[Bigsi15]

Thanks for your reply, yes unfortunately it seems to do it in most positions although occasionally improves if you get the position just right, unfortunately I think the gear is probably worn somewhere on one of the motors

[LeeT5]

Are you the original owner? Are you aware of any accidents in the past?
Based on the description you gave the issue could be related to a hinge which is part of the WHIPS system. The hinge is responsible to reduce the back slash if the car is hit from the back. If that piece is damaged, then the seat will have movement.

What your referring to is called a WHIPS bracket!
It's not expensive to replace as the part is fairly cheap, though I advise this is done by a main dealer. My local dealer replaced mine when my car was rear ended about 5 years ago.

Is your drivers seat electric or manual?

[Bigsi15]

Thanks lee very interesting. It's an electric seat. I don't suppose you have any pictures of what it looks like and where it is?!

Thanks buddy

[LeeT5]

No mate. Dealer changed mine and it only cost £75 fitted.

[htomi]

I would also highly recommend that you let the job done by the dealership.

[Bigsi15]

Thanks guys. I spoke to my local dealer in Bristol but they have no idea what I'm on about. They sent me these diagrams, make any sense to anyone? Is it only a p2 thing? Thanks

31769

[Bigsi15]

31770

[LeeT5]

Right, it may be different for your car, as yours is a P1, but the part for a P2 is:

#31101355 - Service kit £10.40
#1161842 Tape rattle and SQ £26.00

Labour £78.75

Total was £115 plus vat.

[Bigsi15]

Thanks buddy that's really helpful I'll give them a call next week and see if it makes any more sense! Thank you for the time you've put into helping me on this