Rattle from rear seat backrest

[rogerkiu]

Hi all! Your help needed here! Recently my X' left side rear seat backrest rattles each time when my X bumps along the road with uneven surface. I lay down the backrest and the rattling sound gone, the rattling sound back after I put the backrest up. I guess it is the lock actuator or the lock itself. Any idea from experts here? Do I need to replace the actuator or the lock or just lubricate them to solve the problem?

[dkl]

Not sure what you meant by "left" side (I'm assuming the larger half of the 60/40 split)? Have you tried putting the arm rest down (pull it out of the seat back)? I found that mine would rattle when it's set into the seat back - it's hitting the metal backing of my "none ski" through hole cover.

[rogerkiu]

Originally Posted by dkl

Not sure what you meant by "left" side (I'm assuming the larger half of the 60/40 split)? Have you tried putting the arm rest down (pull it out of the seat back)? I found that mine would rattle when it's set into the seat back - it's hitting the metal backing of my "none ski" through hole cover.

Yes, I am talking about the larger half of the backrest. I will try to put down the arm rest to see what happen. However, I feel that the rattling sound comes from left side, close to the left rear door, so I guess it is the seat lock or the actuator somewhat loose, so that it has play between the seat backrest and the lock hook.

[PersonaNonGrata]

Originally Posted by rogerkiu

Yes, I am talking about the larger half of the backrest. I will try to put down the arm rest to see what happen. However, I feel that the rattling sound comes from left side, close to the left rear door, so I guess it is the seat lock or the actuator somewhat loose, so that it has play between the seat backrest and the lock hook.

Maybe it's as simple as lubricating the locking mechanism so it engages with the metal "D".

[rogerkiu]

Originally Posted by PersonaNonGrata

Maybe it's as simple as lubricating the locking mechanism so it engages with the metal "D".

what kind of lubrication should I use? WD40 or something else? As I know, WD40 is not good for lubricating lock, since it will dry up after a certain peroid.

[nezarnuaimat]

I had the same problem on the smaller side of the backrest, and I did solved it 10 days ago.

Look inside the pivoting-latch mechanism, there is a rectangular black piece of rubber.

In the closed position, the U-shape latch (fixed to body of car) rests on that rubber piece.

You'll find the rubber piece relaxed (height reduced), and therefore the pivoting-latch rubs with the U-shape latch, and causes this rattle.

All you need to do is to regain the height of the rubber piece to restrict the movement.

I used one-face-sticking industrial sponge tape, and my problem is solved.

If this hadn't solve my problem, then I'd have glued another 0.5-cm-height rubber piece into the original one.

Tell us if this solved your problem. Good luck.

[rogerkiu]

Originally Posted by nezarnuaimat

I had the same problem on the smaller side of the backrest, and I did solved it 10 days ago.

Look inside the pivoting-latch mechanism, there is a rectangular black piece of rubber.

In the closed position, the U-shape latch (fixed to body of car) rests on that rubber piece.

You'll find the rubber piece relaxed (height reduced), and therefore the pivoting-latch rubs with the U-shape latch, and causes this rattle.

All you need to do is to regain the height of the rubber piece to restrict the movement.

I used one-face-sticking industrial sponge tape, and my problem is solved.

If this hadn't solve my problem, then I'd have glued another 0.5-cm-height rubber piece into the original one.

Tell us if this solved your problem. Good luck.

Thanks a lot! I guess this is it. So do I have to take the black cover off to see into the lock?

[nezarnuaimat]

Originally Posted by rogerkiu

So do I have to take the black cover off to see into the lock?

Yes you have to take the black cover off. I did break it

But never mind; it's hidden when closed

[rogerkiu]

Originally Posted by nezarnuaimat

Yes you have to take the black cover off. I did break it

But never mind; it's hidden when closed

Thanks!

[rogerkiu]

I took off the black cover and found the black rubber buffer in the lock, however, I think I have to replace it, since it is very hard to stick anything onto the rubber buffer. There is some grease in the lock, even you can stick something on it, it will not last long. I ordered the lock via BMW of Bloomfield, it costs 53 bucks including shipping.