Body/Trim: Head liner

[Big Al1304]

Hi all,
We have recently noticed that the head liner in our 2005 xc90 is starting to sag a little above drivers head and passengers head area. Could anybody out there let me
know how to rectify this without the need to replace the entire head liner.

Regards

Alan & Nicola

[Moose Test]

I replaced my headliner last year, exchanging it with one taken from a donor vehicle. It's not a quick task and required the removal of a lot of interior trim (some of which was a PITA to remove and to replace).

However based on that experience, I think it's likely that you could apply a suitable sticky pad(s) or double-sided tape to give an improvement, without the need for a complete removal. Perhaps just the A and B pillar trim, the door seals and the rear view mirror and visors.

I'm also wondering, do you have a sunroof? It is possible that the cause has been leakage there and hence you need to resolve that too?

[Big Al1304]

Hi Moose Test,

Thanks for the reply, and no i don't have a sun roof.

Regards

Alan & Nicola

[eapowers64]

The headliner is only going to get worse. If you plan on holding onto the car for several more years then I would bite the bullet, remove the headliner, and get it recovered. I did it on an 04 that I purchased last winter. Search threads and YouTube videos for a detailed breakdown but there is nothing terribly complex in getting the headliner out: remove the A pillars (easy), remove the B pillars and C pillars (a bit more difficult as they slot into pieces below), pop out the overhead light (easy), remove the cargo hooks (easy), remove the overhead panel at the back of the trunk (easy), remove the D pillars (easy) and there might be one more thing that I am forgetting, and lift out the headliner through the trunk.

This is the first car that I have really worked on so I am no expert but I had no real problems. I had mine recovered at a local upholsterer for about $200. No idea what it would cost in the UK.