Headrest "clip" removal
- Thread starter T4R2014
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bugman-74
New member
I'm not sure there is an easy way to yank these. The ears of the "clip" portion engage the end of the tube and are darn near 2" down below the surface. If you squeeze the end, they pop right out - but getting to them is not fun. You might try making a hook tool from a wire that you can fish down in there to try to release the ears. I was pulling my seat covers anyway (foam swap + passenger to driver side cover swap) and was able to reach them with the cover/foam partially removed.
Here's some pics:
Here's some pics:
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nc-grayson
Member
Let us know if you succeed and if so how you did. I worked on one in the pick and pull for almost an hour, tearing the seat apart practically and I couldn't get it. That was a year ago, and I still need one.
pluton
Senior Member
I took these out on a previous Toyota truck, but can't remember how I did it.
You are aware that these parts can be gotten new for $12, right?
nc-grayson
Member
Yep I'm well aware. I just can't get the half that's broken and stuck down the hole out.....the top clip part is broken off, so I'm basically looking down the tube into the seat guts, just haven't been able to pinch the clips at the bottom to replace it with a new one.
TheDurk
Elite Member
Plastic part, steel sleeve...drill it out. Although you might try a seal pick, first, and try and hook those latch points while levering up the collar with a mayo spreader. I'd use one like the one on the left. $6 the set on Amazon. Come in handy ALL the time.
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T4R2014
Elite Member
Thanks for those pics! I ended up not bothering. Not trying to break them especially when Moon Mist interior parts are hard to come by.
Another challenge: How do you remove the lumbar support lever on the driver's seat?
bugman-74
New member
This one is much easier than the headrest clips. There is a metal retaining ring that needs to be removed, and then the lumbar lever will slide off the shaft. You can barely make out the retaining ring in the first pic. Second pic shows the groove in the lever that the retaining ring engages.
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Fairly old post but I came across this today when installing new seat covers.
The easiest way I found was to lift the flap on the lower back of the seat. There are several metal "staples" connecting the upholstery together. Spin and spread the first few apart (2 pairs of pliers helps to open them) so that you can remove enough of them so you can slip your arm up the back of the seat. Reach up, unclip them and pull out with your other hand.
Be careful now. If you didn't completely remove the staples they could catch your arm as you slide it in or out.
When you put them back in you might have to feel around a bit but they will slide back into place without having to put your arm back up the seat.
Reverse steps and reclip the "staples".
Took less than 5 minutes per seat.
The easiest way I found was to lift the flap on the lower back of the seat. There are several metal "staples" connecting the upholstery together. Spin and spread the first few apart (2 pairs of pliers helps to open them) so that you can remove enough of them so you can slip your arm up the back of the seat. Reach up, unclip them and pull out with your other hand.
Be careful now. If you didn't completely remove the staples they could catch your arm as you slide it in or out.
When you put them back in you might have to feel around a bit but they will slide back into place without having to put your arm back up the seat.
Reverse steps and reclip the "staples".
Took less than 5 minutes per seat.
manualdr5
New member
thanks for the pic! After reading your note and seeing how they were positioned I was able to reach them with two fingers, squeeze and yank! (that didnt sound right lol) Didnt have to remove the foam. Im also doing a replacement of the leather.
manualdr5
New member
The retainer clip that holds the lumbar lever in place is a b*tch. By fluke my buddy had a tool exactly for the job!
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ottovontwitch
New member
Hello,
Can anyone tell me the part number for these headrest clips? I just had one break and need to replace it.
Cheers
Can anyone tell me the part number for these headrest clips? I just had one break and need to replace it.
Cheers
4Runner4Leon
Senior Member
Does anyone know if there's a readily available adhesive that might work to glue a broken headrest clip back together? I still have the upper piece and am able to fit it back into place, so I'm wondering if I could just reattach it to the lower piece rather than having to replace the clip entirely.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Had the exact same thought as I assumed replacement clips were unavailable. Was thinking as a last ditch effort I would try some form of Crazy Glue or similar but I just ordered a replacement clip in my interior color online from Conicelli Toyota for under $15 so planning on attempting replacement vs. repair.
I need to replace both rear headrest clips. The back of the rear seats easily pop off but it seems nearly impossible to reach the bottom of the headrest clip to disengage it, plus I think they made the frame of the back seats out of left over razor blades. :crybaby:
I'm assuming the removing the staples and reaching up the back of the seat post was regarding the front seats?
Has anyone tried cutting the top of the clip with a saw or dremel and simply pushing the left over clip through into the seat so the new one can be inserted?
I'm assuming the removing the staples and reaching up the back of the seat post was regarding the front seats?
Has anyone tried cutting the top of the clip with a saw or dremel and simply pushing the left over clip through into the seat so the new one can be inserted?
I have the new replacement clip but haven’t attempted to replace it yet but when I do that is exactly what I plan on trying to do. Based on the picture of the seat back frame assembly provided by another member earlier in this thread that looks like the way to go......just push the remaining broken piece downward and insert new clip.
I know this is an old thread, but thought this blurry photo might help. I'm holding the plug with the metal tube it fits thru in the back ground.
I'm reupholstering, so the seat had to come out and I'm peeling off the fabric and foam. I can reach the "ears" of the plug to push them in, and then pry gently on the top to release. Lots of sharp stuff, so be careful.
I don't see an easy way to get at the ears except by taking out the seat and removing the upholstery. There is a metal plate which blocks access from the back.
I don't think you are likely to need to pull these plugs unless you are doing some type of reupholstery. As you can see the metal tube is just long enough to fit the plug, and the ears extend to the end of the tube. You could always cut-off the top plastic head and push the old plug down if you are doing something like replacing a broken piece. Good luck.
