Driver seat loose and hinge point- what are my options?

So I've done as much research as I could on this issue, and have found that this is fairly common (cheap parts for a $35k truck yada yada, dont get me started) and I still have yet to find any type of fix besides getting a whole new seat.

Which brings me to my question: What are my options?

Since my warranty doesn't cover the seat frame, I think I'm SOL as far as getting a new seat through Toyota for free minus deductible through warranty, correct? (i bought the truck used with a 3rd party warranty) Or would this be on some sort of recall list because it is kind of dangerous to have a loose seat?

Could an upholstery shop break the seat down and repair whatever is loose/broken?

I've looked for Tacomas being parted out on craigslist and junk yards, but they're extremely slim pickings, are there any websites that sell OEM seats?

any more info or input you guys have for me would be great, I feel like the seat is getting more and more loose as the days go by and I'm getting frustrated.

Thanks

 

bump bump, anyone?

 

What exactly is the issue with the seat?

 

Its what most people have, its loose at the hinge point where the back rest and seat cushion meet, and can rock front to back about 1/2"-1" at any given time

 

Is this the same problem that causes the excessive seat noise when you are turning?

 

http://www.ranchotoyotatruckparts.com/toyota-tacoma.html

Good parts to be found here usually, although I'd imagine you could easily break down the seat yourself and a local welder or fab shop could find the issue.

 

If it was me I’d unplug the seat, unbolt it, and take it out. I’d take the little plastic trim off the sides and try and see what exactly is going on. If that doesn’t show the issue it probably needs to be totally torn down to the frame I guess, though I’m guessing this is a hinge issue?

I looked up the parts diagram and from what I saw it looked like the entire seat frame itself is sold as a single unit at an exorbitant price. I’m some sort of service manual might show an exploded view of the seat in smaller components.

Worst case scenario if Toyota won’t do anything, or if I couldn’t tear it down and see what the issue was myself, I’d find a seat off craigslist or eBay and just swap it out (would have to be a 2009+ seat for side airbag).

 

@JeffreyB hm dont think this is the same problem with the noise while turning, there really is no noise, just a good amount of movement when breaking and accelerating and moving around in the seat.

@speedytech thanks, I actually emailed them last week and they responded and said they had no seats whos airbags hadnt deployed. I'll def keep an eye on that site, I've been to that yard before, comes in handy!

 

@JdevTac yeah, that's what I was worried about, now I have to find some time to actually do that. Thanks for the input!

 

TLS Auto Recycling has used seats. But they want like $400 a piece for them. Cant remember what their location is but I’ve done business with them a few times before.

 

I suppose $400 isnt too bad for peace of mind when it comes down to it. I'll keep searching too. Thank y'all for your help!

 

Yep best of luck!