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Removing and installing backrest release mechanism (front bucket seat) — AUDI

Removing and installing backrest release mechanism (front bucket seat) on Audi: 21 steps. What to remove, in what order, and what to check after.

The backrest release mechanism on the Audi TT Mk2 (8J) front bucket seat lets the backrest tip forward for rear access, and getting to it means stripping the seat down to its frame. With the seat on repair stand VAS 6136, remove the backrest and seat pan and the backrest cover. Unbolt and turn over the inner part of the belt guide, release its tabs to take off the cover and cable support bracket, then take out the release lever and unhook the operating cables, on both sides. On the outer frame, remove bolts (3 and 4) and drill out the pop rivet with a 6.0 mm bit so the mounting can swing aside. Unhook the cable eyelet and pull the cables out. Locking fluid on the bolts and adjusting the cables decide whether the backrest locks properly.

21 steps

🧭 Before you start

Put the seat on the repair stand and remove backrest, seat pan and backrest cover. Strip the inner belt guide, take out the release lever and unhook the operating cables on both sides. Unbolt the outer frame mounting, drill out its rivet, swing it aside, unhook the cable eyelet and pull the cables out. Refit with locking fluid on the bolts and adjust the backrest locking cables.

Fits: Audi TT Mk2 (8J, 2006–2014)

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  • Drill out the outer frame mounting pop rivet with a 6.0 mm bit.
  • Repeat the belt guide and cable steps on the opposite side.
  • Slide the eyelet forwards to release it from the backrest locking release lever.
  • Apply locking fluid to the bolts on refit.
  • Adjust the operating cables for locking the backrest after installation.

Written for this job from the workshop steps below · TorqFix editorial.

📋 Procedure

  1. Remove seat .
  2. Attach seat repair standVAS 6136 to engine and gearbox supportVAS 6095.
  3. Attach front seat to seat repair standVAS 6136.
  4. Remove backrest and seat pan (front) .
  5. Remove backrest cover .
AUDI? Steps differ between engine variants — check this job against your exact car before you commit to it. Check my car — free →
  1. Unscrew bolts (arrows) from inner part of belt guide.
  2. Detach inner part of belt guide (1).
  3. Turn inner part of belt guide over and release retaining tabs (arrows).
  4. Detach cover (1).
  5. Detach cable support bracket (3) for backrest locking operating cables from inner part of belt guide.
  6. Take out release lever for locking backrest (2).
  7. Disengage operating cables (1) in direction of (arrow).
  8. Repeat these steps on opposite side.
  9. Remove backrest cover from outer backrest frame .
  10. Unscrew bolts (3 and 4).
  11. Using ∅ 6.0 mm bit, drill out pop rivet (2) on mounting (1) for outer backrest frame.
  12. Swivel mounting for outer backrest frame to the side and detach cable support bracket (2) for operating cables at mounting (3) for outer backrest frame.
  13. Disengage eyelet (1) for operating cables at backrest locking release lever (4). To do so, slide eyelet forwards (arrow) and detach.
  14. Pull operating cables up and out of outer backrest frame.
  15. Apply locking fluid when fitting bolts (locking fluid Parts catalogue).
  16. Adjust operating cables for locking backrest .

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TorqFix was built by a mechanic — after a 2,700 km drive with five roadside repairs that no diagnostic tool could explain.

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Variants of the same model differ. Cross-check torque against the factory manual for your engine before final tightening.

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Workshop data on this page last updated 20 Sep 2026.