How to Install Universal Side Mounts and Sliders

By Aftermarket Car Parts -Private Label Mfg | Published: 2026-10-21

Category: How-to Guides

Step-by-step guide to installing universal side mounts and sliders for aftermarket racing seats. Covers preparation, mounting, adjustment, and common mistakes.

Quick answer

Install universal side mounts and sliders by bolting the side mounts to your racing seat, attaching the sliders, then securing the assembly to the car's floor or existing seat brackets. Proper alignment and torque are critical for safety.

Why universal side mounts and sliders work for most racing seats

Universal side mounts and sliders are designed to fit a wide range of side-mounted racing seats from brands like Recaro, Sparco, and Bride. They offer adjustability in seat height and fore-aft position, which is essential for comfort and control on track or street.

The trade-off is that universal kits may require minor drilling or spacer use for non-standard seat bolt patterns. Always verify bolt spacing before starting.

Installation steps

Prepare the seat and hardware: Remove the factory seat from the car. Place the aftermarket seat on a clean work surface. Lay out the side mounts, sliders, and all bolts. Verify the bolt pattern matches the seat side holes. If holes don't align, use a drill with a step bit to enlarge carefully. Test-fit bolts by hand before tightening to avoid cross-threading.
Attach side mounts to the seat: Position the side mount brackets against the seat's side mounting points. Insert bolts through the bracket and into the seat's threaded inserts. Use the supplied washers and nuts. Tighten bolts to the manufacturer's torque spec (typically 25-35 ft-lb). Do not overtighten, as aluminum seat frames can strip. Apply thread locker to prevent bolts from loosening under vibration.
Mount sliders to the side mounts: Align the slider rails with the bottom of the side mounts. The slider release lever should face the front of the seat. Insert bolts through the slider base into the side mount's lower holes. Tighten evenly to avoid binding. Check slider movement before fully tightening; adjust alignment if it sticks.
Install the assembly in the vehicle: Place the seat and slider assembly into the car. Align the slider base holes with the factory seat mounting points or your adapter brackets. Use grade 8.8 or higher bolts and washers. Torque to 35-40 ft-lb for floor pan mounting. Double-check that all four corners are secure. Never reuse factory bolts; they may be too short for the added slider thickness.
Adjust seat position and test: Sit in the seat and operate the slider lever to find your ideal fore-aft position. Adjust the side mount height if your kit allows multiple bolt positions. Ensure the seat does not hit the door, center console, or steering wheel at full travel. After final adjustment, re-torque all bolts and verify the seat does not wobble.

Product facts

PLM Universal Side Mounts & Sliders Set: PLM side mounts and sliders are the most economical solution for mounting aftermarket seats, featuring long-type adjustable side mounts and dual locking sliders. The dual locking sliders provide secure fore-aft adjustment, while the adjustable side mounts help align the seat height in different vehicles.
PLM Universal Side Mounts & Sliders Set