I was manually adjusting my headrest for a more comfortable position when I heard something snap...now my headrest just moves freely on it's metal stand(s), it doesn't remain in position when set. It still goes up and down via the switch. Is this an easy fix? Do I need to buy a new headrest and replace it, or is there some 'special' bushing or part I need to buy?

Would help to know make and year.

But as a guess, the part in question is a plastic pinion gear assembly (about $20 at FastLane) that has probably failed.

I've successfully replaced both driver and passenger side units on my 300E at different times and the diy task takes around 1/2 hour.

The hardest part is removing the seatback to gain access...not difficult, but tricky if doing for the first time...

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car

Doh!!

It's a '98 E430. The darn things just flops down on the stand...