Ford Focus Service Manual: Headrests. Head Restraint Guide Sleeve

Removal

NOTE:

Typical head restraint guide sleeve shown, others similar.

1. Push in on the 2 head restraint guide sleeve release buttons and remove the head restraint.

1. Obtain a flat-head screwdriver with a width of 4 mm (0.157 in) to 7 mm (0.275 in) and a thickness of approximately 1 mm (0.039 in).

1. Align the screwdriver to the middle of the head restraint guide sleeve release button.

1. Position the screwdriver between the head restraint guide sleeve neck and backrest trim cover and foam pad.

1. Position the screwdriver at a 45-degree angle.

1. NOTE:

   For retainer clarity, backrest trim cover and foam pad are removed.

   Push in the screwdriver, bending the lock feature on the head restraint guide sleeve in.

1. While bending the lock feature in, push down on the screwdriver handle, prying the head restraint guide sleeve up and disengaging it from the backrest frame crossmember.

1. Remove the head restraint guide sleeve.
   • Discard the head restraint guide sleeve.

1. Repeat these steps for the head restraint guide sleeve on the opposite side.

Installation

NOTICE: Always install new head restraint guide sleeves. Difficult adjustment of the head restraint may occur. Failure to follow these instructions may result in component failure.

NOTICE: The head restraint guide sleeves are not interchangeable. Failure to install the correct head restraint guide sleeve at the correct position may result in component failure.

1. Make sure the holes in the backrest foam pad and backrest trim cover are aligned to the holes in the backrest frame.

1. Install the head restraint guide sleeve with the large button and wide key on the LH side of the seat.

1. Install the head restraint guide sleeve with the small button and thin key on the RH side of the seat.

1. To allow the head restraint guide sleeve to slide freely through the backrest foam pad and backrest trim cover, twist the head restraint guide sleeve while pushing it into the backrest frame hole as far as it will go with hand pressure.

1. NOTICE: Do not attempt to seat the head restraint guide sleeve by hand. This may result in excessive head restraint adjustment efforts and permanent damage to the head restraint guide sleeve.

   NOTICE: Striking effort should not result in any type of damage or distortion to the head restraint guide sleeve. If a head restraint guide sleeve is damaged, install a new one.

   Using a non-marring mallet, strike the top of the head restraint guide sleeve with moderate force, seating it in the backrest frame.
   • Striking effort must be high enough to snap the head restraint guide sleeve retainer in place in the backrest frame.

1. Inspect the head restraint guide sleeve.
   • Pull the head restraint guide sleeve out by hand, making sure it is locked in place. If the head restraint guide sleeve can be removed by hand, repeat the installation procedure. If the head restraint guide sleeve can be removed again after installing a second time, install a new head restraint guide sleeve.

1. Repeat these steps for the head restraint guide sleeve on the opposite side.

1. After installation of 2 new head restraint guide sleeves, install the head restraint in the following sequence.
   1. Position the head restraint rods to the head restraint guide sleeve holes.
   1. Push the head restraint down, guiding the rods into the head restraint guide sleeve holes.
   1. Make sure the head restraint adjusts without excessive effort and locks in place.