1990 Buick Seat Recliner Lever question

The seat backrest fell back on my 1990 Buick Estate. Odd since there are ony 46K miles on the car but it happened. Does anyone know how to remove the recliner lever from the side of the seat!

My recliner actuator broke. The metal snapped. I need to replace it but cant figure out how to remove the lever. The lever has to be removed so the fabric can slip over the shaft without tearing it. I have the Service Manual. It tells me that it needs to be removed but does not tell how its removed. It looks like its more then pressure fitted. There must be some secreat release.

Thanks
Nick in PA

Nick

Don't know if this applies or not, but here goes. I have removed the seat recliner from a 94 Roadmaster wagon. There is a "horseshoe" clip that holds the lever on. Push the cloth in, you should be able to see it then. Get a small screwdriver and you should be able to pry it back. The clip is similar to the clip that GM used to hold the old style door handles on in the 60's and 70's etc.

Tom

Thanks Tom,
I figured it out and you were correct except for some reason they put the clip inside the lever. Im sure there is a special tool to remove it. On the seat side there are 4 little access holes but I couldnt figure out how to release it. I pryed apart the lever which is actually 2 pieces. Inside was the horseshoe clip you mentioned. Once I saw that I was able to pop it right off. I have the new actuator I pulled from a donor 1989 Caprice installed and tomorrow Ill put the seat back in.
This car has tested me or the last 3 months. BAttery, Wiper/Washer motor, heater control valve, and now the seat actuator. I wonder what tomorrow will bring......whatever it is Ill fix it.
Have a great weekend,
Nick