Driver seat recliner handle broke off, seeking replacement and install instructions

[ilvny]

The driver seat recliner handle broke off my 1997 Ford Explorer XLT and I was wondering if anyone knows of a place where I can order a replacement, preferably online. I don't want to go to the Ford dealer because my Explorer's warranty expired years ago and I can't afford to pay for parts and labor. I'd like to replace it myself. If anyone knows how to replace it, that would be great.

 

[bobflood]

The driver seat recliner handle broke off my 1997 Ford Explorer XLT and I was wondering if anyone knows of a place where I can order a replacement, preferably online. I don't want to go to the Ford dealer because my Explorer's warranty expired years ago and I can't afford to pay for parts and labor. I'd like to replace it myself. If anyone knows how to replace it, that would be great.

Use the search on this forum; there are literally dozens of posts on this subject. I replaced mine several years ago; got the part from kbabiak on this forum and used instructions found here. Took about 30 minutes with the seat out of the vehicle. Good luck.

 

[Joe Dirt]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=379335

On my pic in there, the 4th bolt is above the torx bolt shown, further up the side of the seat back under the upholstery...

If you have a self-serve junkyard near you- go grab one there. It will also let you work on fixing it rather than having your seat be the first try, so you know what to expect...