SYMPTOM: The inflatable
Sport seat bladder for lumbar and side bolsters stops
working. The pump runs audibly; but the actuated bellows
housing membrane, or diaphragm, has ruptured.
CORRECTIVE MEASURES:
Instead of replacing the whole pump
from GM you can order just the membrane from the
manufacturer, Jasco Products, in Sun Valley, CA. Their phone
number is 818-504-2516. Ask for Ramona. Also you will find
an article on replacing this piece in the May '95 issue of
Corvette Fever.
Another fix from member Mike Zeeff:
I know you can order the diaphragms
from Jasco, but here is a better fix for 99 cents. Some of
the info came from the vette net by Jim Mason, but I found
an easier way to make the fix. Both of my diaphragms were
blown out on my 90 ZR-1. Total time to fix both sides was 45
minutes.
1. Purchase a pair of latex rubber dishwashing gloves
from your local 5&10. Make sure they are the heavy duty
kind, and not the ones the thickness of a condom. Also make
sure they have a good portion of flat texture on the cuff.
You'll need enough to cut out two 1" round diaphragms.
2. Remove the lower seat cushion. There is a wire
retainer at the front bottom of the seat. Carefully flip the
seat bottom up and out of the way to expose the bladder
pump. It is the one with the tubing's attached to it.
3. On one one end of the pump you will notice two small
phillips head screws, holding on a retaining plate. Remove
both screws and the retaining plate. The bottom one is a
little hard, but it can be done with a small jewelers
screwdriver. You do not have to remove the pump itself.
4. Once you remove the retainer, you can wiggle out the
diaphragm assembly. It has three tubes attached to it on one
end, and the plunger assembly on the other. If your
diaphragm is busted, then the plunger will be separated.
5. The diaphragm assembly, is held together by four small
bolts and nuts. Remove all four, and break apart the diagram
assembly. You can now take it to your workbench.
6. By this time you will clearly see how the diaphragm
works. Pull the old diaphragm out, and use it as a template
for your new one. Once you cut out a new one, you can mount
it on the plunger. Since there is a screw that retains the
diagram to the plunger, it is a good idea to use a small dab
of silicon sealer to the screw hole.
7. Re-assemble the entire diaphragm assembly and pump. Be
careful to get the plunger back on the motor rod.
8. Test the unit before you put on the retaining plate.
You will see the pump motor spinning the plunger. Make sure
it is inflating the bladders.
