How do I tighten a Caroma soft close toilet seat?

[MalcolmO123]

Hi, the Caroma toilet seat in our ensuite has become loose. I haven’t seen this type of toilet service fitting before. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @MalcolmO123,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

I believe your toilet uses the Caroma Soft Close Hinge Packs, which come with the Opal II Double Flap Soft Close Toilet Seat. The installation guidelines for this toilet seat show a grub screw on the backside of the hinge blocks that when loosened, should allow you to lift the hinge blocks off the metal caps that sit beneath.

You could then tighten the metal caps so they are secured in place, before reinstalling the seat and tightening the grub screws.

It seems likely you will just need a hex key set to carry out this repair.

Let me know what you think and if you don't think this is the solution, please let me know so I can assist further.

Jacob

[MalcolmO123]

Hi Jacob 

Thanks for the prompt response. However, there are no grub screws on the backside of the hinge blocks. I’ve attached photos to show the lack of grub screws.

[JacobZ]

Hi @MalcolmO123,

My thoughts are that there has to be a way to retract the hinge pins, which go between the toilet seat and the chrome hinge block.

Is there anything that resembles a button anywhere around the hinges? Maybe here?

If you gently pull upwards when the seat is in a fully upright position, do you feel any slight movement?

Can you identify the specific model of toilet? This would help me search for an instruction manual that might shed some light.

Also, allow me to tag @Dave-1, @Noyade and @AlanM52 to see if they know how to remove this toilet seat so it can be tightened.

Jacob

[AlanM52]

Hi @MalcolmO123,

Do you want to tighten the seat because the whole thing is loose (moving around) or is there a problem with the seat closing to quickly?

If the actual seat is loose.

Usually... align the seat and tighten the thumbscrews.

In your case you may need a tube spanner.

To tighten the seat or... if the seat is closing to quickly take photos of the hinge set so the workshop guys can assist with replacement.

Cheers

[MalcolmO123]

Thanks Jacob 

No sign of any buttons. I have tried gently lifting the lid straight up but there is no give at all.

It’s a Caroma Metro 4.5/3 litre dual flush wall faced toilet suite. It was installed over 11 years ago.

[MalcolmO123]

Thanks Alan. 
The seat itself is loose. I can’t locate any thumbscrews. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @MalcolmO123,

I think I have found the right toilet seat here - Profile Soft Close Seat Chrome Hinge with GermGard®.

If you have a look at the Installation Guidelines for this toilet seat, you can see what appears to be the same hinges, which are attached via a concealed nut inside the pan.

Can you see a hole, possibly with a cover, on either side of the pan?

If you pop out the covers and look inside, can you see a post with a nut?

They mention a nut tool in the instructions, which I can't imagine you'd have, but I'm sure we could get one if we can't work out a solution to tighten the nut without using one.

Let me know what you find, I will assist further when you update.

Jacob

[MalcolmO123]

Hi Jacob 

There are no covers or holes on either side of the pan that would allow access to the bolts.

The only thing I can think of is the seat was attached before the pan was installed.

Starting to get to my wits end with this. Thanks for your advice and assistance.

[JacobZ]

Hi @MalcolmO123,

If there are no holes in the side of the pan, then that might be how it was done.

Unfortunately, if that was the case, then you would need to either speak with a plumber to remove the pan, tighten the seat and then reinstall the pan, or just break the hinges off and replace them with a FIX-A-LOO Toilet Seat Blind Fixing Kit and a compatible seat.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob