FIXED! ... Broken Seatback pocket
11-28-2018, 05:18 AM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
FIXED! ... Broken Seatback pocket
Aloha,
I finally got around to fixing the broken seatback pockets to my E350.
Essentially the plastic "rivet" that holds the top of of the seatback pocket has broken off due to wear and tear.
One cannot simply replace the seatback pocket. You have to replace the whole assembly. I initially thought about going the easy route and getting OEM replacements but figured I'd try repairing them first.
I was initially thinking about using little screws as another benz owner had done but after giving it more thought I figured I'd take a different approach.
It's actually simple and easy using simple tools and materials totaling under $10 purchased at Lowes hardware store.
Materials used:
- Gorilla Super Glue Gel
- Machine nuts and bolts (#8-32 x 1/2 in)... 12 pcs in a small bag .. Hillman 490415
- Flat washers (#10) ... 24 pcs in a small bag ... Hillman 490686
- Picture Hangers rated 50lbs ... 3 pcs .. Hillmand 122304
Tools used:
- A pair of pliers
- Hammer
- Screwdriver with star shaped head
STEP 1. REMOVE THE SEATBACK
- Removing the lumbar support handle by popping the little round rubber center cover.
- Unscrew the two screws at the bottom of the seatback back panel.
- Slide down the panel while slightly pulling out the wing with the lumbar stalk to release the seatback panel.
STEP 2: INSTALL A NEW "RIVET"
- Apply glue to the broken plastic "rivet" on the top of the seatback pocket.
- Set a #8-32 screw onto the broken "rivet" head and hold it for a few seconds to keep it in place.
- I added a few drops of glue around the edge of the screw after a few minutes to give it extra holding strength
- Let dry thoroughly. I waited about 30 minutes to ensure a strong bond.
STEP 3: ATTACH THE SEATBACK POCKET TO THE SEATBACK PANEL
- Line up and guide the newly installed screw on the seatback pocket through the hole on the seatback panel.
- On the other side of the panel, install a #10 washer, followed by a nut.
- Tighten with light pressure. Do not overtighten and risk separating the screw from the seatpocket.
STEP 4: REATTACH THE SPINES
- Lift the side of the seat pocket to see the spines.
- Line up the spines and apply glue to reattach them. Give ample time to let it dry.
- Get a picture hanger. Remove the bends with a pair of pliers. Flatten it with a hammer.
- Apply glue along the length of the picture hanger.
- Lift the side of seat pocket and lay the picture hanger with the glue side down onto the spines making you bridge the spines.
- Let it dry completely.
STEP 5: INSPECT YOUR WORK
- Check to make sure the screw is secure on the seatback.
- Check to make sure the picture hanger bridging the spines are glued securely.
STEP 6: REINSTALL THE SEATBACK PANELS
- Reverse the removal process.
- Note that the lumbar support handle install only one way on the stalk. You need to rotate it while slightly pushing down into the stalk. When you hit the location where it belongs, it will glide into place.
That's it. Hope this helps some.
Attached is a simple graphic of some of the steps for clarification.
Very happy with this repair. Looks and works like it was never broken.
Mahalo and Happy Holidays!
I finally got around to fixing the broken seatback pockets to my E350.
Essentially the plastic "rivet" that holds the top of of the seatback pocket has broken off due to wear and tear.
One cannot simply replace the seatback pocket. You have to replace the whole assembly. I initially thought about going the easy route and getting OEM replacements but figured I'd try repairing them first.
I was initially thinking about using little screws as another benz owner had done but after giving it more thought I figured I'd take a different approach.
It's actually simple and easy using simple tools and materials totaling under $10 purchased at Lowes hardware store.
Materials used:
- Gorilla Super Glue Gel
- Machine nuts and bolts (#8-32 x 1/2 in)... 12 pcs in a small bag .. Hillman 490415
- Flat washers (#10) ... 24 pcs in a small bag ... Hillman 490686
- Picture Hangers rated 50lbs ... 3 pcs .. Hillmand 122304
Tools used:
- A pair of pliers
- Hammer
- Screwdriver with star shaped head
STEP 1. REMOVE THE SEATBACK
- Removing the lumbar support handle by popping the little round rubber center cover.
- Unscrew the two screws at the bottom of the seatback back panel.
- Slide down the panel while slightly pulling out the wing with the lumbar stalk to release the seatback panel.
STEP 2: INSTALL A NEW "RIVET"
- Apply glue to the broken plastic "rivet" on the top of the seatback pocket.
- Set a #8-32 screw onto the broken "rivet" head and hold it for a few seconds to keep it in place.
- I added a few drops of glue around the edge of the screw after a few minutes to give it extra holding strength
- Let dry thoroughly. I waited about 30 minutes to ensure a strong bond.
STEP 3: ATTACH THE SEATBACK POCKET TO THE SEATBACK PANEL
- Line up and guide the newly installed screw on the seatback pocket through the hole on the seatback panel.
- On the other side of the panel, install a #10 washer, followed by a nut.
- Tighten with light pressure. Do not overtighten and risk separating the screw from the seatpocket.
STEP 4: REATTACH THE SPINES
- Lift the side of the seat pocket to see the spines.
- Line up the spines and apply glue to reattach them. Give ample time to let it dry.
- Get a picture hanger. Remove the bends with a pair of pliers. Flatten it with a hammer.
- Apply glue along the length of the picture hanger.
- Lift the side of seat pocket and lay the picture hanger with the glue side down onto the spines making you bridge the spines.
- Let it dry completely.
STEP 5: INSPECT YOUR WORK
- Check to make sure the screw is secure on the seatback.
- Check to make sure the picture hanger bridging the spines are glued securely.
STEP 6: REINSTALL THE SEATBACK PANELS
- Reverse the removal process.
- Note that the lumbar support handle install only one way on the stalk. You need to rotate it while slightly pushing down into the stalk. When you hit the location where it belongs, it will glide into place.
That's it. Hope this helps some.
Attached is a simple graphic of some of the steps for clarification.
Very happy with this repair. Looks and works like it was never broken.
Mahalo and Happy Holidays!
Last edited by eaglehawaii; 11-28-2018 at 05:23 AM. Reason: Added a few final comments.
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