rs10

Many 996s I’ve recently test driven have a problem with their seat backs – the foam or padding around shoulder level seems to go bad. From the feeling, I’d guess it got weaker and/or got torn or cracked. You can feel it give way or move around a bit as you lean back /accelerate / lean towards the side. Makes a bit of a creaking noise too.

Unfortunately, even the car I am close to buying is mildly affected.

Anyone know if this can be fixed (other than new seats), and if so, how? E.g. new pads available? Or maybe switch the driver and passenger seat backs?

Thanks for any insight!

rs10

No one has this problem / has fixed it?

Kalashnikov

Foam tearing is not likely. FYI, the middle insert in the seats is removable and is held down by two hooks. So it moves around and it is possible even to get it to un-hook itself when exiting the car.

On the picture, the part with horizontal lines is the insert I am referring to. It moves around as it is meant to be removable. That might be creating the illusion of the failed foam.

rs10

Kalashnikov, thanks for the post and the pictures!

You are right, tearing is very unlikely. Crumbling is more likely. Maybe it dries up and crumbles/breaks.

It's not the middle insert. I feel it in the shoulder area outside of the middle insert. It is probably in the top of the side bolsters. (In the worst cars, it's probably the whole top half.)

I'm surprised I could not find this mentioned in any other threads. I've noticed it in maybe 1/3 of 996s I've test driven, and sometimes it is very bad. From the feeling, I am convinced it is a problem with the foam padding.

rs10

Bump

kromdom

Just checked mine (an 02) and happy to say it does NOT have the problem you're describing. Maybe contact a local auto upholstery shop and ask them?

onewhippedpuppy

I'm on 996 #5, have owned a 986, and have looked at more than I can count. I have never seen a seat that has totally broken down, particularly in the top half. The first area to show wear is the side and bottom bolsters, I've seen bottom bolsters worn to more of a flat profile in higher mileage cars. Are you sure you aren't just seeing some normal characteristic of the 996 seats?

rs10

Yes, I'm sure. I've also looked at more than I can count, and perhaps I am quick to recognize this problem, having seen two cars in which it was quite advanced (and several in which it seemed to be starting).

rs10

To be clear, it has not totally broken down. The upper part of the outside side bolster on the car I am thinking of buying may have the same shape as normal, but when you sit down and lean back normally, you can feel it (and sometimes hear it) give way a bit. Maybe the end result (once it gives way) is similar to the worn out thigh bolsters. It's not that it is soft like a pillow. Rather, it feels like one portion of the side bolster is as stiff as the rest, but is not entirely fixed in place. (The leather cover yes, the stuff inside no.)

onewhippedpuppy

Weird. Worst case you can get a new (used) seat, they are all over Ebay for not much money. Or you can upgrade to a nice set of Recaro, Corbeau, etc sport seats.

rs10

Well, I was hoping for a less dramatic fix than new seats :-( (And last I checked, there are only sport seats on eBay, not comfort.) I may call a dealer and see if Porsche sells what I think is the relevant piece of foam. Though since no one has confirmed fixing such an issue, I have to wonder if I am correct in diagnosing it ...

Cuda911

Most good vehicle upholstery shops can likely take care of that. That's the first place I would check. Go into one and see what they say.

rs10

The problem is probably with part 7 in the picture in the below link:

http://www.jimellisporscheparts.com/...roduct=3747532

Though I suppose it could conceivably be with the frame or with some clip or bracket. Haven't found pictures of such things yet - and more importantly, I haven't seen inside the seat ...

rs10

Now I've seen more parts pictures. Whatever it is, if it's not the frame or the backrest shell, it should be relatively cheap to fix.