200 series Squeaky seat fix passenger side rear seat- Duct tape fix

[LC neophyte]

I had a squeaky rear seat 2nd row passenger side. I pulled my hair out trying to find the solution, including taking apart the side lever the folds the seats down,silicone the cables and pulleys, lithium grease to the floor anchor attachment, lubrication of the leather/plastic interface, silicone to the head rest poles, etc. Every time I thought, "Now, that should do it!", I punched and jiggled the backrest and damn, the squeak would not die! Finally, on a lark and and act of desperation, I placed some duct tape on the rear floor anchors where the seat hinges down and locks into place. The squeak went away IMMEDIATELY!

At least try this as a quick diagnostic test. It just might work.

 

[jwmNC]

Thanks for this. I have the same and have for a while, haven't been able to figure it out. But mine goes away when the seat is folded down, so it doesn't make sense that this would be the fix. I'll report back.

 

[bloc]

I’d try a little white lithium grease, which you can get in tube form instead of the spray which tends to get everywhere.

Duck tape adhesive hardens over time and becomes all-but impossible to remove without sanding or steel wool.

 

[LC neophyte]

Thanks for this. I have the same and have for a while, haven't been able to figure it out. But mine goes away when the seat is folded down, so it doesn't make sense that this would be the fix. I'll report back.

I have the same experience with the seat folded down. That’s what made it so confusing.
I suspect the upper part of the seat when in the upright position changes the weight distribution at the anchor point just enough to create friction to create a squeak.
With a seat folded down, I banged and jostled and hit the seat and could not make the sound. That’s why I kept looking at the upper lever and cables.
Hope you find a solution!

 

[LC neophyte]

I’d try a little white lithium grease, which you can get in tube form instead of the spray which tends to get everywhere.

Duck tape adhesive hardens over time and becomes all-but impossible to remove without sanding or steel wool.

I agree with your points about the duct tape. It’s difficult to work with. But I did put lithium grease
on the anchor attachment point before I tried the duct tape. Maybe the duct tape does not reduce the friction, but instead increases the diameter of the catch anchor so that the jaw claw portion on the seat lock are forced to open just enough that it takes the play out of the locking mechanism. Essentially, maybe it just tightens things. Not sure, but sprays and lithium grease did not work for me.

 

[bloc]

I agree with your points about the duct tape. It’s difficult to work with. But I did put lithium grease
on the anchor attachment point before I tried the duct tape. Maybe the duct tape does not reduce the friction, but instead increases the diameter of the catch anchor so that the jaw claw portion on the seat lock are forced to open just enough that it takes the play out of the locking mechanism. Essentially, maybe it just tightens things. Not sure, but sprays and lithium grease did not work for me.

Crap, sorry, I skimmed and didn't see that part.

Maybe try wrapping a piece of tough fabric like denim around the lower anchor before locking the seat down? I'd want to keep it thin to make sure the anchor can fully latch.. but that could take up the space, reducing movement and therefore the squeak..

 

[LvCruiserNewb]

Orbit 2 in. x 50 ft. 20 Mil Pipe Wrap Duct Tape 53550 - The Home Depot

Provide a waterproof barrier to prevent corrosion of metal pipe used in underground applications with this Orbit Mil Pipe Wrap Tape.

www.homedepot.com

I used this stuff. Think I got the idea from a different thread on here.

 

[Sinister]

Orbit 2 in. x 50 ft. 20 Mil Pipe Wrap Duct Tape 53550 - The Home Depot

Provide a waterproof barrier to prevent corrosion of metal pipe used in underground applications with this Orbit Mil Pipe Wrap Tape.

www.homedepot.com

I used this stuff. Think I got the idea from a different thread on here.

When I had my 200, I used the same thing from the old tread on here years ago. Worked perfect.