Rear seat removal in the vehicle Skoda Rapid A procedure that many owners face when they need to get to a fuel tank, install a subwoofer or repair safety mechanisms. The interior design of this Czech sedan and liftback is designed to provide quick access to the main components without the use of complex special tools, but knowledge of the nuances of attachment is critical.
Incorrect actions when trying to remove upholstery elements can lead to the breakdown of plastic clips, damage to decorative linings or deformation of metal frames. Unlike older models, where the backs were fixed with bolts, the modern Rapid uses a system of quick-removal locks and bolt connections hidden under textiles.
In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for the safe removal of both the pillow and the back of the back of the sofa. You will learn what tools you will need, where the mounting points are located and how to avoid typical cabin maintenance errors. Understanding the design will help you save time and money on the services of a car service.
Preparing tools and assessing the complexity of work
Before starting any manipulations in the cabin, it is necessary to prepare a working set. Removing the rear seat elements in Skoda Rapid You donโt need a professional stand or a set of keys from dozens of items, but having the right tools will speed up the process and keep the parts from scratching.
The main tool will be the head on the 10 or 13Depending on the year of release of the car and the type of bolts mounting. Also be sure to come in handy flat screwdriver with a wide sting or a special plastic filmmaker for tweaking clips, so as not to scratch plastic or fabric. If you plan a complete dismantling, it is worth providing a place to store the removed parts.
- ๐ ๏ธ Head rattles on the head
10or13mm extension - ๐ง Set of flat screwdrivers (metal and plastic)
- ๐งค Gloves to protect hands from dirt and sharp metal edges
- ๐ฆ Storage capacity for bolts and small anchorages
The complexity of the work is estimated as average. If you only remove the pillow to access the wheel arch, it will take 5-7 minutes. Full removal of the backrest requires more time and accuracy, as it is necessary to disconnect the seat belts and it is possible to unscrew the fixtures to the body.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Before starting work, make sure that the car is on a flat surface and tighten the hand brake. Do not leave the ignition keys in the lock so as not to accidentally activate the power windows or the central lock during manipulation.
Removing the rear seat cushion
The first step is always to remove the bottom of the sofa, known as the pillow. In the model Skoda Rapid It's not bolted to the floor, but it's held on two locks in the front and hooked to the back. This design makes it easy to get a spare wheel and tool out of the trunk located under the cabin floor.
Find the front edge of the pillow, usually the place where the seat meets the floor. Lift the pillow upwards with a force placed closer to the center or to the edges. You will hear the characteristic click of the departing fixtures. Do not use excessive force, as plastic can crack if the fixator oxide from time or dirt.
- ๐ Examine the gap between the pillow and floor to look for mounting points
- ๐ช Lift the pillow strictly vertically upwards, avoiding distortions
- ๐ Disconnect the back hooks if they are not out with the front hooks
After the locks in the front have come out of the hook, tilt the pillow on yourself and pull up to free the rear hooks. The removed part should be carefully removed from the cabin or moved to the side so that it does not interfere with access to the backrest mounting mechanisms.
โ๏ธ Removing the pillow
- Sedan
- Liftback
Removing the backrest of the rear sofa
After removal of the cushion, access to the back-mounting mechanisms is opened. V Skoda Rapid the back is fixed by bolts in the lower part, and also has upper attachments to the ceiling or rear shelf. The process requires consistency: first unscrew the bottom bolts, then release the top points.
Pay special attention to the bolts located in the opening, where the pillow used to stand. They can be closed with rubber plugs or simply be in the depths of the niche. Use a rattle extender to reach them without undue effort. After unscrewing the bolts, the back can only be held on the seat belts.
Donโt forget to unfasten the central seat belts if they interfere with the free retraction of the back. In some configurations, the belts pass through special holes in the back, which you just need to get out of the engagement. The movement should be smooth so as not to damage the fabric of the upholstery.
- ๐ฉ Unscrew the mount bolts at the bottom of the frame
- ๐งฃ Release seat belts from back restraints
- ๐ Carefully tilt the back forward, checking the freedom of movement
โ ๏ธ Attention: When unscrewing bolts, keep the nut on the back side if the design allows you not to scroll the bolt in the body. Lost bolts in the voids of the body are extremely difficult and expensive to find.
If the backrest is not amenable, check if it has caught on any element of the wiring or speakers. In rare cases, it may be necessary to remove the side linings if they interfere with the exit of the back from the grooves. Important: Never pull the back with force until you make sure all bolts and locks are completely released.
Work with seat belts and retainers
Seat belts are a critical design element, and when removing the seat, they need not only to be unfastened, but also properly removed from the mounts. V Skoda Rapid External belts are often attached to the back through special plastic guides or braces.
To access the belt anchorages, it may be necessary to remove decorative linings on the racks or in the side parts of the cabin. Use a plastic spatula to gently tuck the latches. Metal tools can leave deep scratches on plastic that melts and cracks easily.
After the back is removed, check the condition of the belts themselves and their tension mechanisms. If you have taken off the seat for repairs, this is the perfect time to diagnose. Make sure that the belt locks work correctly and do not show signs of corrosion or wear.
What to do if the belt does not come out of the fastener?
If the belt is stuck in the guide, do not pull it sharply. Try to sway the back slightly from side to side while pulling out the belt. Sometimes lubrication with silicone lubrication of the belt entry into the plastic helps, but do this carefully so as not to stain the upholstery.
Remember that improper restoration of the belt mounting after the seat installation can lead to its incorrect operation in case of an accident. Therefore, when reassembling, carefully check that each belt is fixed in its normal position before clicking.
Before removing the backrest, take a picture of the location of the seat belts on the phone. This will help you quickly and correctly assemble the structure back without confusing the order of the tapes.
Common mistakes and precautions
Many car owners make the same mistake: they try to remove the back without removing the pillow. This is physically impossible due to the design of the mounts, and such attempts often end in breaking the plastic cushion cushion clamps or damaging the upholstery.
Another common problem is the loss of small bolts or nuts. They are small and can fall into hard-to-reach body cavities or into the space between the seats and the floor. Use a magnetic tool or flashlight to control the unwinding process.
- โ Do not attempt to remove the back without first removing the pillow.
- โ Do not use a hammer or chisel to knock out jammed fixators
- โ Do not leave bolts in the access area, they can roll away.
It is also worth paying attention to the condition of plastic clips. If you are planning to dismantle frequently, it makes sense to replace regular clips with better or (spare) analogues, as they lose elasticity and break over time.
| element | Mounting type | Tool | Difficulty of access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat cushion | Plastic clips and hooks | Hands | Lightweight |
| Back (lower part) | Bolts on. 10 or 13 |
Head + extension cord | Average |
| Seat belt | Plastic retainer | Flat head screwdriver | Difficult. |
| Side pads | Clips | Plastic removable | Average |
โ ๏ธ Attention: If you feel that the part does not lend itself, stop and inspect the place of attachment. You probably missed a bolt or a lock. Violence over salon details Skoda Rapid It almost always leads to expensive repairs.
Dismantling the back is impossible without first removing the pillow. Always start at the bottom of the sofa to open access to the back mount bolts.
Consecutive assembly of the salon
Installing the backrest requires a reverse sequence of actions. First, you need to put the upper anchorages of the seat belts in their places, making sure that they are fixed. Then carefully insert the back into the grooves on the floor, combining bolt holes.
Twisting the bottom bolts, but do not tighten them to the end at once. First, make all the attachments so that the back is straight. Only after you make sure that the back is not skewed and the belts are not twisted, you can finally tighten the bolts with the desired effort.
After the backrest is installed, return the pillow. Lift it and place the back hooks on the hinges, then sharply press the front until the characteristic snap of the locks. Check the reliability of the installation by pulling the pillow and back up. They should not be staggering or moving away from the floor.
How to check the installation quality?
After assembly, pull on each seatbelt to make sure it doesn't jump off the guide. Walk through all the bolts with a key to make sure they tighten. Try to sit on the sofa and swing - there should be no backlashes or creaks.
At the end of the work, clean the cabin from traces of dust or dirt that may have accumulated during the dismantling. Check all mechanisms, including back folding and head restraint adjustment. If you have installed a subwoofer or other equipment, make sure that the wires are not clamped by the seat frame.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to remove the upholstery of the back to access the tank?
No, in most cases, to access the neck of the fuel tank or pump, it is enough to simply remove the pillow and recline the back. Complete removal of upholstery is required only when repairing the back or replacing the speaker.
What size of bolt is used to fasten the back?
In cars Skoda Rapid Most often, the head is used with a head on 10 mm, but in some trim levels or years of production, the size may be found 13 Mmm. It is better to have both options on hand.
Can I remove my back without taking off my pillow?
No, the mounting design does not allow you to remove the back while the pillow is in place. The pillow blocks the lower bolts of the back mount.
What to do if the pillow lock breaks?
If the plastic fixture breaks, the pillow may stagger. It is recommended to replace it with a new original fixator or use quality similar clips that are sold in auto stores.
How to properly store the removed back?
Removed back is better to store in an upright position, resting it on a soft surface so as not to crumple the upholstery. Do not put heavy objects on it so as not to deform the frame.