How to Remove a Vehicle's Seat Track

Two cars on the road.
  • 2-4 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 0-100
What You'll Need
Socket wrench
Sockets
Vacuum
What You'll Need
Socket wrench
Sockets
Vacuum

Removing a seat track from your car may be necessary if you are going to replace the carpeting, or use a different kind of seat as you are refurbishing your car. The seat track is where the seat sits in order to make adjustments to it. Most cars today have electronic seats that move along a track either backward or forward. Many people are a little intimidated when it comes to removing things like the seats and seat tracks. However, it is a simple process that can be done right in your own garage. Here are the steps for removing your car's seat track.

Step 1 - Disconnect Car Battery

If you have electric seats, you will need to disconnect the car battery. Use a small socket wrench, nut driver, or screwdriver—whichever one the battery terminal accepts—and loosen the bolts holding the terminal to the battery. Disconnect it and remove the battery from the vehicle.

Step 2 - Clean Under Seat

Use a car vacuum and clean out the rug underneath the seat. It is much easier to work when you know there isn't going to be a lot of garbage on the floor.

Step 3 - Remove Track Protectors

Located on the front and back of the seat tracks there will be little pieces of plastic that protect the seat track. Generally, they are there to hide the retaining bolts and keep dirt and debris from getting into the track area. They should pry off with a flat screwdriver.

Step 4 - Remove Seat

Holding your seat to the seat track are several bolts. You will need to remove these in order to get the seat out of the vehicle. Use a socket wrench, or a nut driver in order to loosen each bolt and remove them. Depending on the type of seat you have, there could be four to six bolts that are holding the seat in place. Once you have all of the bolts removed from the seat you can remove it from the vehicle. It is easier to do this with a friend who can help you lift the seat out.

Step 5 - Unplug Wiring

If you have electric seats, you will need to unplug all of the wiring harnesses before removing the seat. They are generally connected with pressure clips that can be easily removed with a flat screwdriver.

Step 6 - Remove Seat Tracks

After the car seat has been removed and all of the wiring has been disconnected, you can then safely remove the seat tracks. For this removal you will need to use a socket wrench with the correct sized socket. Spray a little bit of solvent onto the bolts to help loosen them if they are rusted over. Place the socket on top of the bolt head and loosen in a counter clockwise direction. There will be anywhere from four to six bolts holding down the seat track depending on the type of car you have.

Step 7 - Clean Floor

Once the seat tracks have been removed, check the underside of the vehicle to see if it is still stable and without any rust. Run your vacuum over the floor again to get it clean.