My seat won't slide

[ausabbob]

The drivers side seat on my 67 230 SL is stuck in midposition and will not slide either forward or back. When I try to force it I can feel the rail hitting something solid going in either direction. Any suggustions as to cause and cure welcomed.

[ejboyd5]

Check that one of the screws holding the sliding mechanism to the floor or to the seat frame hasn't come loose to the point of preventing normal adjustment.  You may have to expend some unusual effort to reach and remedy the problem, but it can be done.

[w113dude]

I agree, it's probably the middle screw that holds the railing up to the seat that has come loose preventing it from moving back and forth. you have to take the seat out turn it upside down and verify.

[ausabbob]

I'd love to get the seat out but the fact that it needs to slide to get at the bolts holding it to the frame makes that impossible. I've pulled the seat cover up and I can see the front and the middle bolts holding the seat frame to the sliding rail are intact and I can feel  the back bolts and they are tight as well. The bolts holding the sliding rails to the frame, front and back, are solid as well. I've used a mirror to sight the rails on each side and cannot see an obstruction. Is there any way I can get at this from above, like taking off the seat cover or would that be futile?

[bogeyman]

Have you confirmed that your lock is releasing properly when you pull the handle up?

[ausabbob]

yep

[w113dude]

Then it's the rollers that are seized, spray WD40 inside the railing and try move it back and forth a little at a time and needs a lot of spray, 

[zoegrlh]

If all else fails, you will have to take the seat apart.  You might be able to pull the seat cover somewhat off from front of seat, when sitting on seat, the springs will be compressed so that the cover material should slide down and out of the frame slot.  Then you will be able to see the front hold down bolts thru the springs I think you will not have to take off the seat pad, should be able to see under it.  Should be able to use a socket on bolts (10MM).   Then for the rear hold down bolts, you said you can feel them, so you will need a 10mm closed end wench for them.  I suggest a 10mm Gear Wench for this.  Let me know if this helps.
Bob

[66andBlue]

Before you take your seats apart I think you should spend more time trying to locate the obstruction.
You mentioned you cannot see any with a mirror. Insert a long wire from the front and probe whether it hits any obstructions on both sides.
Here are a few photos that show some details how the upper and lower rails are attached.

[ausabbob]

Ohmygod, success!!! You guys are too much! The rollers were the culprit and the WD 40 did the trick after a good spray, a wait, and then some firm pushing and pulling. In the meantime I ground down my 10 mm wrench so I could get it on one of the bolt heads. That didn't work and I was about to give up when at last the rails surrendered. I then took the seat out for proper cleaning and greasing and found a bonus. The previous owner left me 43 cents under the seat. Thank you all for your input!

[71Beige280SL]

I had a similar problem but, it turned out to be a bottle of wine behind the seat! 

[66andBlue]

I bet it was empty!