Re: Front seat sliding assembly Packard Caribbean 55

Posted by HH56 On 2012/12/28 13:47:11

I was hoping someone would have done this recently and popped in. It's been a long time and I can't remember if there were any gotchas. If you try what I describe, please be gentle and look for anything I forgot. If something doesn't move, STOP and re-evaluate!!

Anyway, as I recall the track consists of 3 major parts -- the base which mounts to floor, the slide which mounts to seat and a stamped inner strip section which is somewhat free and acts as a cage for steel balls. It slides a small amount as the balls roll and keeps the balls in place as the seat moves. What I remember is using a long punch and tapping that inner section toward one end or the other until the balls were exposed and could be removed. I think it takes a bit of working the sliding upper track in conjunction. What I don't remember is how many balls per side or if the inner section is one U shaped piece or a piece for each side. I vaguely think a ball or two has to come out each end but won't swear to it.

At any rate, once the balls are removed the inner piece is free and without the balls in their respective grooves, the tracks can be separated. Reinstallation works the same and as the balls are inserted the inner piece is tapped into the middle of travel again so the seat movement won't expose either end to allow the balls to fall out.