
At the lower part of the headrest behind the seat, approximately 10 centimeters down, you will find two grooves (one on each side, near the seat leather stitching). Inside each groove, there is a clip. Press the clips in both grooves firmly, then lift the headrest upwards to remove it.

















I just removed the headrest from my XC60 the other day and found it wasn't that difficult. Generally, the front headrests have plastic clips on both sides, and you need to adjust it to the highest position first. Then locate the clip release buttons - press the small buttons on both metal rods simultaneously with your thumb and index finger while pulling upwards. Be sure to apply force vertically without tilting, otherwise the clips might get stuck. Remember to wear gloves to protect your fingernails as the plastic edges can be slightly sharp. When you're halfway through, you'll feel noticeable resistance - just rotate the headrest slightly to find the right angle for smooth removal. For rear headrests, you may need to fold the seat forward a bit to access them. The whole process takes about two minutes, and after removal, I noticed quite some dust accumulation around the clips which I cleaned up.

A friend who does car detailing told me the key to removing headrests lies in locating the release points. Most newer models have a small hole on the side of the headrest posts - you'll need to insert a paperclip or small screwdriver to trigger the mechanism. Older models might require lifting a bottom release ring first. When operating, it's recommended to sit in the back seat while holding the front seat to prevent sudden recoil, especially with power-adjustable seats to avoid pinching. Some models have particularly tight clips, so you can gently tap them with a pry bar wrapped in soft cloth. When reinstalling, you should hear a click to confirm proper positioning. As a side note, when washing your car, you can use a vacuum to clean the mounting slots to prevent sand particles from causing rattles.

The headrest removal procedure is actually designed with great ergonomics. First, ensure the seat is in an upright position. Second, locate the square button or circular clip beneath the metal rod. Third, lift upward with your right hand while simultaneously pressing the release mechanism with your left hand, maintaining balanced force. For adjustable-height headrest models, remember not to operate at the lowest position. Designs vary slightly across model years: post-2015 models typically use a push-button mechanism, while some pre-2015 versions require a 45-degree left rotation first. Rear fixed headrests usually have concealed mechanisms at the top of the backrest. After removal, you may notice the adjustment tracks are prone to rust - applying silicone grease is recommended to maintain smooth operation.

Last time I modified the interior, I researched the headrest structure. The specific removal method: First, raise the headrest to the highest position and adjust the seatback angle to the straightest. Locate the gear-shaped plastic ring (black or gray) at the base of the support column, and use your fingers to reach inside and release the internal latch. For the new S90 model, the button is located in the recess on the side of the headrest, requiring a different pressing point. Some owners encounter jamming issues; in such cases, check if the memory seat button was accidentally pressed, locking the position. After removal, store it flat to avoid putting pressure on the adjustment mechanism. During installation, align the holes and press vertically until you hear the click sound, which is crucial.

The method of removing headrests differs between our old XC90 and my wife's new S60. The older vehicle requires pressing the round button on top of the backrest while pulling the headrest upward. The new car is simpler: there are arrow markings on both sides at the base of the headrest—press these spots with both thumbs and then lift. The key technique is to avoid shaking while pulling, as bending the metal rods could cause trouble. For folding the rear seats, you need to first release the backrest latch. I've found that jamming often occurs due to interference from child seat hooks. Here's a handy tip: after removal, clean the bracket seams with foam cleaner to reduce friction noise. Before reinstallation, make sure the slots are free of debris.


