Seats - Rattling Noise From Front Headrest
88ford05
^ SEAT - HEADREST - LOOSE AND "RATTLES" Article No.
^ NOISE - "RATTLING" FROM LOOSE HEADREST 88-6-8
FORD: 1987-88 TAURUS
LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1987-88 SABLE
ISSUE: A "rattling" noise from the front seat headrest may be caused by loose headrest plastic guide sleeves. The holes in the seat back frame for the plastic guide rod sleeves may be oversized or the diameter of the guide rod sleeves may be undersized.
ACTION: To correct this, first adjust the sleeve caps. If the condition is still present, install new plastic guide sleeves. Refer to the following detailed service procedure.
1. While holding the headrest in the up position, turn the sleeve caps clockwise until snug.
NOTE: The caps and sleeves are threaded. Tightening increases friction on the headrest guide rods.
2. If tightening of the caps does not hold the headrest in the upright position, proceed to Step 3.
FIGURE 6:
3. Raise the headrest all the way up. Loosen and raise the sleeve caps. If necessary, tape the caps to hold them out of the way, Figure 6.
FIGURE 7:
4. Separate the bottom "J" retainers of the front seat back trim cover, Figure 7.
FIGURE 8:
5. Fabricate a tool to aid in removing the headrest, Figure 8.
NOTE: Only one (1) guide rod per head restraint has a retainer spring.
FIGURE 9:
6. Reach up under or raise the back of the trim cover and position the fabricated tool on the headrest guide rod. Remove the headrest and both sleeve caps, Figure 9.
7. Remove the seat back trim cover and the pad. Refer to the Taurus/Sable Shop Manual, Section 41-60, Steps 5 and 6 of the removal procedure.
WARNING: SAFETY GLASSES MUST BE WORN.
FIGURE 10:
8. Place a board on top of the sleeve and sharply strike the board to drive each sleeve through the seat back frame, Figure 10.
9. Remove the sleeves and any pieces of plastic from inside the seat back frame.
10. Obtain two (2) replacement sleeves (E6DZ-54610A16-A) for each affected headrest.
FIGURE 11:
11. Apply two (2) one inch wide strips of body tape to each sleeve and wrap 1 to 1-1/2 times (maximum) prior to installing the sleeves, Figure 11.
NOTE: To prevent loss of retention in the seat frame, do not tape-wrap the "fingers" too tightly on the bottom of the sleeves.
FIGURE 12:
12. Push the sleeves through both the upper and lower holes in the seat back frame. Make sure the "fingers" are expanded against the frame in the lower hole, Figure 12.
13. Install the pad and the trim cover on the seat back. Refer to the Taurus/Sable Shop Manual, Section 41-60, Steps 1 through 4 for the installation procedure.
FIGURE 13:
14. Make sure the caps are on the headrest guide rods. Install the headrest rods in the sleeves, Figure 13.
15. Remove the tape from the caps. Screw the caps onto the sleeves tightly.
16. Check the up and down movement of the headrest. If it is difficult to move, slightly loose one or both caps as required.
PART NUMBER PART NAME CLASS
E6DZ-54610A16-A Sleeve - Front Headrest AM
Guide Rod
D6AZ-19627-A Tape BG
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: 86-23-2
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Basic Warranty Coverage
OPERATION: 880608A - Adjust only
TIME: 0.2 Hr.
OPERATION: 880608B - Install new sleeves and adjust - one seat
TIME: 1.1 Hrs.
OPERATION: 880608BT - Install new sleeves and adjust - both seats
TIME: 1.7 Hrs.
DLR. CODING: Basic Part No. 70610A16
Code: 33