Many car owners Skoda Superb The third generation (the A7 body) is faced with the need to dismantle the front head restraints. This may be required when replacing the upholstery, installing additional safety systems, or when transferring seats to another vehicle. The procedure is simple, but has its own nuances related to the design fixture and the presence of integrated airbags.
Misconduct can damage plastic fixtures or, more seriously, damage the integrity of the passive safety system. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to safely remove elements, what tools you will need and what technical features of the model should be paid attention to when working with seats.
Design features of head restraints in the Skoda Superb A7
The model head restraint anchorage system Skoda Superb It is different from previous generations and competitors. Instead of simple rods that enter the tubes with a spring lock, a complex system with additional blockers is used here.
It is important to understand that front head restraints are often equipped with active head restraints. This means that there may be electrical connectors or sensitive sensors within the mechanism when struck from behind. Electrical wiring It should be switched off before any seat manipulations begin.
Mounting is carried out through two guide posts that enter the slots of the seat back. At the bottom of the racks is located locking mechanismwhich holds the head restraint upright. To release it, you need to act on a special lever or button, access to which is often closed by a decorative overlay.
Preparing the car and necessary tools
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare the workspace and make sure that there is a suitable inventory. You wonโt need sophisticated professional tools, but having certain items will make the process quick and safe for the interior.
First, move the front seats to the rearmost position possible and tilt the backrest back if cabin geometry allows. This will provide free access to the back of the head restraint and the attachment mechanism. Clear the area around the guides from dust and fine debris, so that it does not get inside the mechanism during dismantling.
You will need a set of flat screwdrivers with plastic tips or special blades to remove plastic. Conventional metal tools may leave deep scratches on the upholstery or body of the head restraint. Also prepare a flashlight, as it is often dark in the lower back.
- ๐ง A set of screwdrivers (flat, cross) with a soft tip
- ๐ฆ Powerful flashlight for illuminating hidden fasteners
- ๐งค Tissue gloves to protect hands from sharp edges of plastic
- ๐ Scapula for dismantling decorative plugs
โ ๏ธ Warning: Before starting work, be sure to turn off the car battery. Model seats Skoda Superb They are often equipped with presence sensors and airbags, and accidental closure of the contacts can cause an error in the control unit or the pyropatron to act.
- Ordinary leather
- Heated and ventilated
- Active head restraints
- Sporting with integrated head restraints
Step-by-step algorithm for dismantling front head restraints
The withdrawal process begins with finding a locking mechanism. In most configurations Skoda Superb The button or unlock lever is located on the end of the upper part of the head restraint or on the back side, depending on the year of release and configuration.
If you see a button on top, press it to the point and hold it, while trying to pull the headrest up. If the mechanism fails, do not use excessive force. You may need to first turn the racks or press the hidden lock from the side.
If there is no visible button, inspect the back of the head restraint. There may be a decorative plug under which the mechanism is hidden. Carefully tuck it in with a plastic spatula and remove it. Inside you'll find locking leverWhich you need to take to the side or down.
- ๐ Inspect the upper and lower parts of the head restraint for the presence of levers
- ๐ Carefully press the unlock mechanism without making jerks.
- ๐ Smoothly stretch the headrest upwards, controlling resistance
โ๏ธ Check before removal
If the head restraint is equipped with an electric height control actuator, the power chip must first be disconnected. It is usually in a recess under the bottom of the head restraint or on the back of the seat back. Power connector It has a lock that needs to be pressed to remove the cable.
Sometimes the locks are very tight. If the head restraint does not come out even when the lever is pressed, check if it is locked in emergency mode. In some cases, it helps to easily sway the head restraint up and down when the unlock button is pressed, which allows you to shift the locking ball.
What to do if the headrest is stuck?
Sometimes the locking mechanism can stick due to dirt or wear of the spring. In this case, do not try to pull the head restraint by force. It is best to remove the seat completely, put it on the table and get full access to the mechanism from below. This way you can see exactly where the lock is stuck and release it carefully.
Work with the rear row of seats and nuances of design
Rear head restraints in Skoda Superb They have a different design. They are often non-removable in normal mode or are removed only after folding the backs. In some configurations, the rear head restraints are lowered by a button on the ceiling or on the seat back, but access to the back side is required to fully remove them.
Removing rear head restraints often requires folding the seat back first. This opens access to the bottom of the guides, where the lock pins are located. Sometimes you need to remove the decorative linings on the trunk shelf to get to the fasteners.
When they are removed, the system may not work properly. Model specifics It is that some rear head restraints have different lengths of pillars, and when re-mounted they cannot be confused in places.
If you plan to transport bulky cargo, remove only those head restraints that interfere. The rest should be left in place for the safety of passengers. In some cases, you can simply lower them to the lower position without completely dismantling them.
| Headrest type | Locking mechanism | Availability of electronics | Difficulty in removing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front (base) | Top button | No | Low |
| Front (comfort) | Lever from the back + button | Yes (heating/presence) | Average |
| Rear center | Simple fastener | No | Low |
| Posterior side | Stopper from below | Maybe (heating) | High |
If the headrest is removed with difficulty, try to slightly moisten the guides with silicone lubrication. This will reduce friction and help remove the struts without damaging the plastic, but don't use WD-40 as it can eat up rubber seals.
Installation of the head restraint back and check operation
After the necessary work (cleaning, repair or replacement) the head restraint must be installed in place. The process is reversed, but requires care. Insert the guide posts into the slots of the seat back, making sure that they enter exactly in the center.
Lower the headrest down until the characteristic click. This sound means that the locking mechanism has worked and fixed the racks. Testing of reliability Mandatory: Try to pull the headrest up strongly without pressing the unlock button. He shouldn't move.
If the head restraint is electrically driven, connect the power connector before final fixation. Test the work of all modes: rise, fall, tilt. Make sure the control buttons on the end of the head restraint are pressed easily and do not jam.
- โ Put the racks in the grooves to the end.
- ๐ Lower the head restraint until the striker clicks.
- โก Connect the electrical connector (if any)
- ๐ Check the operation of all adjustment functions
โ ๏ธ Warning: Never leave your headrest unfixed! In case of emergency braking or impact, an unsecured element can become a heavy projectile that causes serious injuries to passengers.
Properly installing a head restraint is not just a matter of comfort, it is a critical safety element that must be firmly fixed before driving.
Solving frequent problems and breakdowns of the mechanism
Over time, the locking mechanism of the head restraint may wear out. The most common problem is the headrest โwalksโ or falls on its own. This is due to the wear of the locking balls or springs inside the mechanism. In this case, a complete replacement of the node or its disassembly will be required to replace the spring.
Sometimes the unlock button stops pressing due to dirt or breakage of the plastic lever. In this case, you can try to disassemble the body of the head restraint, cleaning the mechanism of dust and lubricating the moving parts. If the plastic is cracked, the part will have to be replaced with a new one.
In the case of a break in the electrical wires in the pillars of the head restraint (often due to frequent adjustment of the height), a replacement of the wiring is required. Wiring repair It is better to trust specialists, as an incorrect connection can lead to a short circuit or an error in the airbag system.
How to replace the locking spring?
The body of the head restraint shall be disassembled to replace the spring. Remove the decorative pad, unscrew the screws of the fixing mechanism. Remove the old mechanism, replace the spring with a new one and assemble everything in reverse order. Be sure to check the mechanism on the table before installing in the car.
Conclusion and safety recommendations
Removal of head restraints in Skoda Superb - a procedure requiring accuracy and understanding of the mechanism. Do not use brute force if something is not amenable. You probably missed some unlocking step or didnโt take into account the presence of electrical connectors.
Remember that the vehicleโs passive safety system integrated with head restraints. Any manipulations should be carried out with the battery disconnected and safety precautions observed. If you are not sure of your abilities, it is better to contact an official service center.
Regular checks of the state of the head restraints will help to avoid problems in the future. Watch for the cleanliness of the guides and the state of the unlock buttons. The right care will ensure comfort and safety for you and your passengers for years to come.
Can I remove the headrest without turning off the battery?
Theoretically, if the head restraint does not have electrical connectors, it is not necessary to turn off the battery. However, in the Skoda Superb model, even the base seats can have sensors, so for safety it is better to turn off the battery's negative terminal before starting any work with the seats.
What to do if the headrest is stuck and does not come out?
If the headrest does not come out, try rocking it up and down slightly while pressing the release button. Sometimes it helps to use a plastic spatula to easily pry the mechanism from behind. If all else fails, you may need to remove the entire seat to access the mechanism from underneath.
Do I need to remove the headrests to transport my bike?
Yes, rear-seating bikes usually require the front headrests to be removed to avoid damage to the upholstery and to ensure the bike is positioned correctly. Rear head restraints are also often removed or lowered all the way.
How to check if the locking mechanism is working?
Check whether the headrest locks in different height positions. It should not fall down spontaneously when you press it from above. Also check if it comes out easily when you press the release button. If there is play or jamming, the mechanism requires repair or replacement.
Can headrests from another Skoda model be installed?
No, head restraints from different models or even different generations of the same model may have different post sizes and fastening mechanisms. This may cause the head restraint to become loose or interfere with the operation of the airbags. Use only original spare parts or compatible replacements.