Why Your 2020 Corvette Seat Rocks (And How to Fix It)

How to Fix Seats Issue

If you're experiencing issues with the seats in your 2020 Chevrolet Corvette, you're not alone. Many owners have reported similar problems, ranging from minor annoyances to significant functional issues. Dealing with these issues can be frustrating, but understanding the potential causes and solutions can help you address the problem effectively. As one owner shared, "It's annoying when your seat rocks and moves when you accelerate or brake." This guide will walk you through common symptoms, likely causes, diagnostic steps, and potential fixes to get your Corvette's seats back in top condition.

Symptoms

Many owners of the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette have reported a variety of symptoms related to seat issues. One of the most common complaints is seat rocking. This manifests as noticeable movement or play in the seat, particularly during acceleration, braking, or cornering. This rocking motion can be distracting and uncomfortable, diminishing the driving experience.

Another symptom reported by some owners is a general feeling of "sanity" issues, which may relate to the overall comfort and stability of the seat. This can encompass a range of concerns, such as the seat not feeling secure or properly aligned, leading to discomfort during long drives. It could also refer to concerns about the quality and durability of the seat materials.

Stalling has also been mentioned in relation to seat issues, though the connection might not be immediately obvious. The discussion of "stalling" in the context of seat problems could possibly point to instances where the seat's functionality is compromised, causing it to get stuck or fail to adjust correctly. While it may not directly cause the vehicle's engine to stall, the inconvenience and distraction could indirectly affect driving performance.

Finally, "stiction," or static friction, can be a symptom in seat adjustment mechanisms. Owners might notice that the seat is difficult to move or adjust, requiring more force than usual to slide forward or backward. This can be caused by worn or damaged components within the seat's internal mechanisms, leading to a jerky or uneven adjustment.

Most Likely Cause

Based on owner data, the primary cause of many seat-related issues in the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette is wear or failure of the seat bushings. Bushings are small, typically rubber or plastic components that provide cushioning and support between moving parts. In the context of seats, bushings can be found in the seat tracks, adjustment mechanisms, and mounting points. Over time, these bushings can degrade due to friction, wear and tear, or environmental factors. When bushings fail, they can cause excessive play or movement in the seat, leading to the rocking, stiction, and overall instability reported by owners. Identifying and replacing worn bushings is a crucial step in resolving many common seat problems.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing seat issues in your 2020 Chevrolet Corvette requires a systematic approach. Here's a step-by-step process to help you pinpoint the problem:

1. Visual Inspection: Begin by thoroughly inspecting the seat and its components. Look for any obvious signs of wear, damage, or loose connections. Pay close attention to the seat tracks, adjustment levers, and mounting points. Check for any broken or cracked bushings.

2. Rocking Test: Sit in the seat and try to rock it back and forth or side to side. Pay attention to where the movement is most pronounced. This can help you identify the specific area where the bushings or other components are worn or damaged.

3. Adjustment Test: Test all the seat's adjustment functions, including forward/backward movement, height adjustment, and seatback recline. Note any instances of stiction, difficulty in movement, or unusual noises.

4. Component Check: If possible, try to access and inspect the seat's internal mechanisms. This may require removing the seat from the vehicle or disassembling parts of the seat. Look for worn or damaged bushings, broken springs, or other signs of component failure.

5. Tool Requirements: You may need the following tools:

   • Socket set
   • Wrench set
   • Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
   • Pliers
   • Torque wrench
   • Penetrating oil
   • Jack and jack stands (if removing the seat from the vehicle)

Step-by-Step Fix

Once you've diagnosed the seat issue, you can proceed with the repair. Here's a general step-by-step guide for replacing worn seat bushings:

1. Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent any electrical issues during the repair. Allow the vehicle to sit for at least 10 minutes before disconnecting the seat.

2. Remove the Seat: Carefully remove the seat from the vehicle. This typically involves unbolting the seat from its mounting points and disconnecting any electrical connectors. Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts, and be sure to label any connectors to ensure proper reassembly.

3. Disassemble the Seat: Depending on the specific issue, you may need to disassemble parts of the seat to access the worn bushings. Take photos during disassembly to help with reassembly.

4. Identify and Remove Worn Bushings: Once you've accessed the area with the worn bushings, use pliers or a small screwdriver to remove them. Pay attention to the orientation of the bushings so you can install the new ones correctly.

5. Install New Bushings: Install the new bushings in the correct orientation. You may need to use a small amount of grease or lubricant to help them slide into place.

6. Reassemble the Seat: Reassemble the seat in the reverse order of disassembly. Ensure that all components are properly aligned and securely fastened.

7. Reinstall the Seat: Reinstall the seat in the vehicle and reconnect any electrical connectors. Tighten the mounting bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque.

8. Test the Seat: Reconnect the negative battery cable and test all the seat's adjustment functions. Ensure that the seat moves smoothly and that there is no excessive play or movement. As one owner shared: "After replacing the bushings, the seat feels much more stable and secure."

9. Address Skins or Bolster Issues: If you're addressing issues with the seat skins or driver's bolster, now is the time to replace those components as well. Carefully remove the old skins or bolster and install the new ones, following the manufacturer's instructions. "Replacing the worn bolster really improved the seat's appearance and comfort," an owner commented.

10. Center Console Considerations: If your seat issues are related to the center console, ensure that all connections are secure and that there is no interference with the seat's movement. Check for any loose bolts or damaged components.

Parts and Tools Needed

• Seat Bushings: These are the primary replacement parts. Part numbers will vary depending on the specific location and type of bushing. Consult your vehicle's service manual or a parts specialist to identify the correct part numbers.
• Seat Skins (if needed): Replace worn or damaged seat skins to improve the seat's appearance and comfort.
• Driver's Bolster (if needed): Replace the driver's bolster to address wear or damage in this high-wear area.
• Socket Set: For removing and installing bolts.
• Wrench Set: For various adjustments.
• Screwdrivers (Phillips and Flathead): For removing screws and prying components.
• Pliers: For removing and installing bushings.
• Torque Wrench: For tightening bolts to the correct specification.
• Penetrating Oil: To loosen any corroded bolts.
• Grease or Lubricant: To help install new bushings.

Real Owner Costs

The cost of fixing seat issues in your 2020 Chevrolet Corvette can vary depending on the nature of the problem and whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional mechanic.

• DIY Repair: If you're comfortable performing the repair yourself, you can save money on labor costs. The cost of parts, such as bushings, seat skins, or bolsters, can range from $50 to $300, depending on the specific components needed.

  • Example 1: Replacing worn seat bushings may cost around $50-$100 for the bushings themselves.
  • Example 2: Replacing a worn driver's bolster and seat skin could cost $200-$300 for the parts.

• Professional Repair: Hiring a mechanic can ensure that the repair is done correctly, but it will also add labor costs. Labor rates can vary depending on your location and the mechanic's experience.

  • Example 1: A mechanic might charge $100-$200 in labor to replace seat bushings.
  • Example 2: Replacing a seat skin and bolster could cost $300-$500 in labor.

One owner reported spending $150 on parts and performing the repair themselves, while another owner paid a mechanic $400 for the same repair, including parts and labor. The choice depends on your comfort level and budget.

Prevention

Preventing seat issues in your 2020 Chevrolet Corvette involves regular maintenance and careful usage. Here are some tips to help prevent problems:

• Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect the seats for any signs of wear, damage, or loose connections.
• Proper Usage: Avoid putting excessive stress on the seats, such as jumping into them or using them as storage platforms.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: Keep the seats clean and free of debris. Use a leather cleaner and conditioner to maintain the seat skins.
• Lubrication: Periodically lubricate the seat tracks and adjustment mechanisms to ensure smooth operation.
• Prompt Repairs: Address any seat issues promptly to prevent them from worsening.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from CHEVROLET owners:

Owner Experiences

"MLV will lay primarily on back deck, some will be laid on the wall behind the seats and any excess will be put on top/around the wheel wells. I have two 1'x8'x1/8" mats coming." — smitty2919 (source)

"Just received my customized airbag cover from Overtake Auto. Once the Caravaggio seats get here I'm done with the interior... until KDTV's Tesla screen thingy thing comes out." — Arc07 (source)

"I can't really tell buy does your new airbag cover have a seam in the middle? The covers by apsis have a seam because I believe (?) that is how the bag deploys The burlwood Apsis example and mine both have the vertical seam similar to the seam in the OEM airbag cover" — jdmvette (source)

Pro Tips from Owners

💡 "A tip I picked up from Terry at Vorshalg ​​​​​​ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qx3P51W7HV0 a couple warshers did the trick when i did C6 sways: Z51 rear used the same bushings just fine, but the ZR1 front needed spacers." — _zebra (source)

Real Repair Costs

"Quote: Originally Posted by Stingroo See, my problem is I can't spend $1900 on seats for the car I paid $3700 for. I like where your head's at, but I just can't bring myself to do it. @Stingroo Received an offer on these seats knocking $160 off... ...this is like getting them tax-free now!" — jdmvette ($1900) (DIY) (source)

"Quote: Originally Posted by Stingroo See, my problem is I can't spend $1900 on seats for the car I paid $3700 for. I like where your head's at, but I just can't bring myself to do it. you sound like me talking to my wife after she asked me to LS swap her hummer ...which ALMOST didn't hold water c..." — _zebra ($1900) (DIY) (source)

"I like where your head's at, but I just can't bring myself to do it. @Stingroo Received an offer on these seats knocking $160 off... ...this is like getting them tax-free now!" — jdmvette ($160) (DIY) (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix seat rocking?

A: The time required to fix seat rocking depends on the cause and complexity of the repair. Replacing worn bushings may take 1-3 hours, while more extensive repairs could take longer.

Q: Can I drive with seat rocking?

A: While you can drive with seat rocking, it's not recommended. Seat rocking can be distracting and uncomfortable, potentially affecting your ability to control the vehicle safely. It's best to address the issue as soon as possible.

Q: Is this a common issue on the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette?

A: While not all 2020 Chevrolet Corvette owners experience seat issues, it is a relatively common complaint, particularly with older models or those subjected to heavy use. Bushing wear is a known issue that can affect many vehicles.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended?

A: Whether you should DIY or hire a mechanic depends on your comfort level and experience. If you're comfortable with basic automotive repairs and have the necessary tools, DIY can save you money. However, if you're not experienced or don't have the tools, it's best to hire a professional. As one owner advises, "If you're not sure what you're doing, leave it to the pros. It's better to pay a little extra than to mess something up."

Q: What should I do if the seat adjustment is stuck?

A: If the seat adjustment is stuck, try applying penetrating oil to the adjustment mechanism. Let it soak for a few minutes, then try moving the seat again. If that doesn't work, you may need to disassemble the seat to inspect the mechanism for damage or debris.

Q: How do I prevent the seat skins from cracking?

A: To prevent the seat skins from cracking, regularly clean and condition them with a leather cleaner and conditioner. Avoid exposing the seats to direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can cause the leather to dry out and crack.