Why Seat Recline Knob?

rwcmick · 06-06-2008, 11:42 AM

Why do some cars ,like the Astra, have a seat recline knob as opposed to a lever? It is quite tedious the slowly ratchet backwards.

SaturnRaycer · 06-06-2008, 11:57 AM

There are a couple reasons. First is safety. Racheting type recliners rely on a pawl to engage a slot. In a rear impact, that pawl can shear allowing the seat to collapse, causing the driver to lose control. Recliner mechanisms have gotten better over the years, but the chance of failure is greater.

"Knob" type recliners use an offset roller to adjust the seat back. Since the gearing is very low (lots of turns to go from full upright to fully reclined) the chance of failure is very low.

The second reason is adjustability. Rachet-type recliners have a set number of positions. Rollers are infinitely adjustable. Same concept with manual fore/aft adjustment vs "power seats".

"Stop complainin' and git crankin'"

saturn_69 · 06-06-2008, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaturnRaycer

There are a couple reasons. First is safety. Racheting type recliners rely on a pawl to engage a slot. In a rear impact, that pawl can shear allowing the seat to collapse, causing the driver to lose control. Recliner mechanisms have gotten better over the years, but the chance of failure is greater.

"Knob" type recliners use an offset roller to adjust the seat back. Since the gearing is very low (lots of turns to go from full upright to fully reclined) the chance of failure is very low.

The second reason is adjustability. Rachet-type recliners have a set number of positions. Rollers are infinitely adjustable. Same concept with manual fore/aft adjustment vs "power seats".

"Stop complainin' and git crankin'"

Brilliant response! I was thinking the same things. I'd prefer to have a 'knob-type' in my SC2 because the seat is either too upright or too reclined. This is another of the lovely Euro-quirks that make the Astra so cool.

MidnightVue07 · 06-06-2008, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaturnRaycer

There are a couple reasons. First is safety. Racheting type recliners rely on a pawl to engage a slot. In a rear impact, that pawl can shear allowing the seat to collapse, causing the driver to lose control. Recliner mechanisms have gotten better over the years, but the chance of failure is greater.

"Knob" type recliners use an offset roller to adjust the seat back. Since the gearing is very low (lots of turns to go from full upright to fully reclined) the chance of failure is very low.

The second reason is adjustability. Rachet-type recliners have a set number of positions. Rollers are infinitely adjustable. Same concept with manual fore/aft adjustment vs "power seats".

"Stop complainin' and git crankin'"

Wow, That really makes sense, never though about it before.

Diesel_Clatter · 06-06-2008, 10:56 PM

I remember liking the seatback adjustment knobs on my 80's era Volkswagen Golfs. Seems like this has always been a euro feature that many Americans loudly complain about and some quietly appreciate.

eRic 02sc2 · 06-07-2008, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwcmick

Why do some cars ,like the Astra, have a seat recline knob as opposed to a lever? It is quite tedious the slowly ratchet backwards.

after having the lever style recliner break in my 92 SC -- I'd take the knob any day. also the knob gives more adjustment compared to a lever.

06-06-2008, 11:42 AM	#1
rwcmick New Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 5	Why Seat Recline Knob? Why do some cars ,like the Astra, have a seat recline knob as opposed to a lever? It is quite tedious the slowly ratchet backwards.

06-06-2008, 11:57 AM	#2
SaturnRaycer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota Posts: 1,242 SaturnRaycer's Photos 2008 Astra XR	Re: Why Seat Recline Knob? There are a couple reasons. First is safety. Racheting type recliners rely on a pawl to engage a slot. In a rear impact, that pawl can shear allowing the seat to collapse, causing the driver to lose control. Recliner mechanisms have gotten better over the years, but the chance of failure is greater. "Knob" type recliners use an offset roller to adjust the seat back. Since the gearing is very low (lots of turns to go from full upright to fully reclined) the chance of failure is very low. The second reason is adjustability. Rachet-type recliners have a set number of positions. Rollers are infinitely adjustable. Same concept with manual fore/aft adjustment vs "power seats". "Stop complainin' and git crankin'" ... Rex 2008 Astra XR 5 dr, 5 spd, sport package Black Sapphire If you're going to wave, use all your fingers.

06-06-2008, 10:56 PM	#5
Diesel_Clatter Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 227 Diesel_Clatter's Photos 2007 ION-2 Sedan	Re: Why Seat Recline Knob? I remember liking the seatback adjustment knobs on my 80's era Volkswagen Golfs. Seems like this has always been a euro feature that many Americans loudly complain about and some quietly appreciate. ... Great Minds Think alike... So do we!

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