headrest

[rich30769]

How can I fix my headrest? They work with the switch when raising,but when I'm lowering them, after pushing the button down I have to push them down with my hand. Is there a track or something inside of the seat if so how do I get to it???

[mbdoc]

Electric headrests use a PLASTIC rack/gear drive to propel the headrest. Sounds like this fine piece of plastic is broken.

[barrie]

This is another of those inevitable problem areas that occurs after years of aging! Just fixed mine a couple of weeks ago (cost 10 cents).

When you remove the seat back, you will see a white plastic gear track. On inspection, you’ll probably find that the top part of the track, which secures to the headrest rod, has sheared off (the plastic has become brittle). Look more closely and you’ll find the missing piece lying in the bottom of the seat frame.

At this point, you have 2 choices: remove the original and replace it, OR repair it. I opted for the repair route which I’m convinced will outlast the car (also a lot faster, more durable and less expensive than replacement).

Here’s the procedure that I came up with (although it’s a simple 2 minute job my description may not be obvious until you’re actually looking at the raw parts): 1) set the headrest height such that the rod-ball aligns with the broken track socket, 2) reassemble the ball end of the rod between the main track channel and the broken-off top (which you’ve retrieved), 3) tighten a ˝” (or largest you can fit) plastic cable tie around the 3 pieces, then trim, 4) test the up and down operation while observing the tightness of the joint (maximum stress is when the head rest is being pulled fully down, and 5) replace the seat-back.

If you’ve used a good quality cable tie, this arrangement should be stronger and more durable than a track replacement.

Good luck, and let me know if you have any questions.
Barrie


[This message has been edited by barrie (edited 08-11-2000).]

[engatwork]

I finally got off my butt and removed the seatbacks to find out why my headrest would not raise/lower. They had not worked since I purchased the car in May. A big THANKS to this forum for directing me how to remove the rear seatbacks and to nose around to find the problem. Here goes - I did not find anything wrong with the passenger, removed the flexible shaft between the motor and the plastic white "pinion" piece, moved the headrest up and down, put the flexible shaft back in and everything worked fine. Removed the drivers side and found the plastic white "pinion" piece broken. Put the drivers side seatback back on and emailed PartsShop to get P/N, price and delivery. Thanks again mercedesshop.com
engatwork
'95 E320
'97 Honda CRV

[Here’s the procedure that I came up with (although it’s a simple 2 minute job my description may not be obvious until you’re actually looking at the raw parts): 1) set the headrest height such that the rod-ball aligns with the broken track socket, 2) reassemble the ball end of the rod between the main track channel and the broken-off top (which you’ve retrieved), 3) tighten a ˝” (or largest you can fit) plastic cable tie around the 3 pieces, then trim, 4) test the up and down operation while observing the tightness of the joint (maximum stress is when the head rest is being pulled fully down, and 5) replace the seat-back.

This is an excellent description of how to fix the headrest. Followed the details to a tee. Thanks a whole lot!

when i got my car it did not have rear head rests but a pair of kenwood speakers fited in the indents (unconnected, but that's another story ...)

i have the switch on the dash that would activate the headrests so i assume it must have been fitted as standard but removed to house to PO's sound system.

Anyway, i do not have any traces of any hardware under the rear parcel shelf (or hat tray as it was referred to by some euro users ...) apart from a number of mounting tabs that does indicate that some devices were removed. When i press the dash mounted swith i do get a click from somewhere at the back. I also have not seen the plastic inserts where the headrest's 'legs' pass through to go underneath the parcel shelf.

my real problem is that i do not know what was removed, what it looks like, what the part numbers are, etc. to attempt a retro-fit - if at all possible ...

since u guys have been probing around in this environment can u please provide me with some pointers / feasibility ?

TIA
L

[jwiggin]

The rear headrest switch merely releases them, allowing them to fall back with a big thump. They have to be raised manually. Apparently the design is to allow the driver to put the headrests down if they are annoying him and there is no one in the back seat.

please ???