How to Fix Headrest Not Locking In Position

Understanding Normal Headrest Function

Our headrests are carefully tested to withstand over 20 lbs. of force before shipping. They are designed to hold the natural resting weight of your head comfortably. However, they are not meant to stay rigid under heavy or forceful pressure. Some movement is expected when extra force is applied, making it easier for users to adjust the headrest for maximum comfort.

Common Cause: Misaligned Bearings

If your headrest is not holding its position properly under normal use, the most common cause is misaligned bearings. Depending on the direction the headrest is moving, a different set of bearings may be responsible:

Vertical Movement Issues
If your headrest is not holding a locking position and drifting down, the likely cause is misaligned lower bearings. These are located at the base of the arm mechanism and can affect controlling the vertical locking mechanism. Refer to the section How to Inspect and Realign the Lower Bearings below for further instruction.
Horizontal Movement Issues
If your headrest is shifting forward or backward, the likely cause is misaligned upper bearings. These are located at the top of the arm mechanism and control the horizontal (tilt) adjustment. Refer to the section How to Inspect and Realign the Upper Bearings below for further instruction.

When bearings shift out of proper alignment, the adjustment mechanism cannot tighten correctly, leading to difficulty holding the headrest firmly in the desired position.

How to Inspect and Realign the Lower Bearings

If your headrest is not locking vertically, misaligned lower bearings could be the cause. Follow these steps to carefully inspect and correct the lower bearing alignment:

Remove the headrest from the chair for the best visibility and access to the internal components.
Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the two screws located on the outside of the arm mechanism.
Fully unscrew the knob located at the bottom of the arm mechanism.
Remove the knob, then gently pop off the back plate by pressing on the exposed bolt.
Inspect the lower bearings:

Each bearing has a gap running lengthwise.
These gaps should face outward, away from each other.
Confirm both bearings are properly seated inside the indentations of the top cover.

Replace the back plate and bolt, ensuring you align the key and key slot.
Reinstall the two screws you removed earlier to reassemble the arm mechanism.
Reattach the headrest to the chair, tighten the knob and washer to your desired tension, and test the vertical tension of the headrest.

How to Inspect and Realign the Upper Bearings

If the forward and backward movement of the headrest does not seem of have the proper tension, check the upper bearings:

Fully unscrew the knob located at the top of the arm mechanism and remove the washer and top cap.

Important: SECURELY HOLD THE HEADREST when removing the knob and top cap, as this will loosen the pivot bar and cause the headrest frame to tip forward. *Optional: Detach the headrest frame from the arm mechanism before completing this step.
Inspect the upper bearings:
- These bearings have a gap running lengthwise.
- For upper bearings, the gaps should face inward, toward each other.
- Confirm both bearings are seated correctly in the indentations at the top of the arm mechanism.
Replace the top cap, ensuring it is aligned it the lower arm mechanism, place washer, insert the knob and tighten to desired tension.
Test the horizontal tension of the headrest.

Still Experiencing Issues?

If you’re still having trouble with your headrest’s ability to hold position after realigning the bearings, we’re here to help! Contact Us and include:

A brief description of the issue you’re experiencing
A clear video showing the headrest mechanism and how it behaves during adjustment

Our team will review your submission and guide you toward the right solution to ensure your Atlas Headrest is working exactly as it should.