How to Remove the Rear Seats on a Subaru Forester
by Christian Killian
Removing the rear seat from your Subaru Forester allows you to replace or repair the cushions, the cloth or the frame of the seat should it become damaged. Replacing the seat with a new or used unit is quick and can be done with a few tools. The seat, cushions and covers are available from the dealer or aftermarket sources; and if you are replacing the entire unit, they can be obtained from some salvage yards.
Step 1
Locate the two retaining bolts that secure the lower seat cushion to the vehicle. They are located on the floorboard just below the seat. There is one on each side of the rear floorboard.
Step 2
Remove the retaining bolts with a socket and ratchet or wrench. Lift up and pull forward on the lower cushion to release it then remove it from the vehicle, going out through one of the door openings.
Step 3
Lay the seat backs down flat and remove the cargo area rug or liner. Pull the seat cover up from the bottom of the cushion to expose the mounting brackets and bolts that secure the seat backs to the vehicle.
Step 4
Remove the four mounting bolts with a socket and ratchet then lift the seat backs out of the bracket. Slide the seat backs out of the vehicle either through the rear cargo area or the back doors.
Tips
- Save the mounting hardware from the seats so that you can use it to reinstall the seats or install replacement seats later.
Things You'll Need
- Metric socket set
- Metric wrench set
Writer Bio
Christian Killian has been a freelance journalist/photojournalist since 2006. After many years of working in auto parts and service positions, Killian decided to move into journalism full-time. He has been published in "1st Responder News" as well as in other trade magazines and newspapers in the last few years.
