Disassembled Ford armrest mechanism with yellow foam, spring cha…

'94-96 Bronco/F Driver's Armrest
IF THE IMAGE IS TOO SMALL, click it.

This is the first one I've found in good-enough condition to keep all the parts organized. The only purpose of the cable is to lift the armrest when the seatback is dumped forward; presumably so it doesn't hit the steering column, shifter, or dash when the seat slides forward for rear-seat entry.

But it usually doesn't work because the pot-metal cam plate breaks or wears, allowing the armrest to fall out of position, or to hang from the seat upholstery by the cable. For proper function, it needs lubrication between the pivot bolt, cam plate, and shim plate. But oil, grease, or graphite would stain the upholstery (moreso than the wearing pot metal & rust), so it's nearly hopeless.

Repair parts are not available, so junkyard parts are in high demand, and dwindling. I'm working on a steel replacement cam plate, but the design isn't finished yet. The plastic shim could be very difficult to produce, but I'm not sure yet how critical it is. The unique & complex cable will be the hardest to duplicate, and I don't know of anyone who has even attempted that.

See also:

Owner caption December 2013 · Photo 5070 of 6546