Front seatbelts - tired retraction springs

[CJH]

Both the front inertia reel seatbelts in my van have very tired springs, and have to be 'helped' to retract. Even if they're not an MOT issue they are a nuisance. Is there a quick fix, or am I better off just replacing them?

JK have the Securon item for £42.95, so after discount that seems reasonable value. Is the Securon belt a good replacement? Are there better alternatives?

[ZsZ]

Pull out and lock with the rectracting mechanism with something and wash te belt with soapy water. Rinse it, let it dry and release the machanism.

That should work.

[itchyfeet]

Id try that^^^ or get second hand t3 belts
I bought a jk one once in naivety and it was no where near the right position for the clasp and they were reluctant to take it back looked wrong also

[what2do]

Handy hint, I too shall be washing my belts as they're forever hanging out the door like a matron's dress!!

[CJH]

Pull out and lock with the rectracting mechanism with something and wash te belt with soapy water. Rinse it, let it dry and release the machanism.

That should work.

It's quite possible that the webbing has stiffened up with 30 years of grime I suppose, but it doesn't seem as though that'll be enough to fix the problem somehow. But I'll give it a go - thanks for the suggestion.

Can the mechanism be disassembled easily for a proper clean, and maybe to wind the spring up a bit, or is it tamper-proof for safety's sake?

[billy739]

tamper-proof for safety's sake


yep

don't even try it!

springs and bits everywhere!

if you get a replacement try taking apart your old one!

[ZsZ]

tamper-proof for safety's sake


yep

don't even try it!

springs and bits everywhere!

if you get a replacement try taking apart your old one!

yup, disassembling is possible, but reassembling is... a bit difficult

E D I T: the belt itself can be pulled out of the mechanism, but really difficult to lock the mechanism without it.
The easiest way is lock the belt with something like an IKEA kitchen bag sealing clip.
You can lube the shaft and spings with spray on grease like HHS2000

[christofy]

I found a company that refurbishes seat belts a few years ago. cant remember who they were but prices for new webbing and mechanisme overhaul was very reasonable. try googgling it!

[faggie]

I hoovered mine then wiped them with soap and water let them dry then give them a coat of silicon spray , now I have to be carefull when I let go or they will take the window out

[slippy8v]

used to do the belts on my MK2 golf with Mr Sheen great job they never stuck.
pulled right out quick wipe with a cloth then sprayed and wiped as the belt retracted.