Seat belts retracting slow or not at all

is there a trick to getting the seat belts to retract again?

both sides either go super slow or dont go at all most of the time.

is it a replace spring thing? or adjustment?

spill da tea!

 

The short answer is no. Even after you replace them with new it is a gradual degradation. There are companies that can replace the web/strapping and while that helps it seems to be a short term fix.

 

Try cleaning it first. Take the trim panel out, clean the belt with dilute dish soap and water. Wipe the gunk off the retractor and lube it with a silicon spray (not wd40). Inspect for damage or fraying.

Replace the retractor if cleaning doesn't fix it.

 

Good luck, I bought brand new OEM's, and they suck just as bad,, will not roll up, so disappointed

 

I put a new OEM driver seatbelt in my rig last month. It works perfectly. Damn well better, for what I paid for it.

 

I used a steam cleaner (for seats too)
Makes the 1996 belt material a lil softer so retractor works easier
Belt works much better retracting
Not perfect thou

 

Great input. Sounds like a cooler fall weather day project.

Wasn't sure if it was usage/mileage related or just a weak spring. Will for sure get back to this.

 

If you're referring to the seat belt clean, you want warm weather to give them time to dry out. Believe it or not, a lot of times this will fix the lazy seat belt retracts. Lots of videos out there but couldn't find the concise one I was looking for . . . . basically remove the panels and put a spring clamp at the bottom to hold them fully extended. Set a a bucket of soapy water (dish detergent) in the back and go at it, you may need to change the water a couple times, you'd be surprised how dirty they get. Leave the clamps on the belts to hold them open and drape them wherever appropriate until they fully dry. Ive heard people finish up with a fabric softener soak, but never done it.

 

Fabric Softener…….VERY interesting.

by definition, that’s exactly what the stiff belt material needs

I’m in middle of 3 mechanical problems/projects currently
But
I’m going to try this fur sure
-saturate belt with FS
-let soak
-re-steam(to get that FS out)
FS sounds like great idea

 

The reason I didn't is the problem is the fabric gets dirty and was concerned residual fabric softener might attract dirt sooner. Maybe. Don't really know.

 

I did mine with a few things gleaned from online research:

Cleaned- Pulled out the belt as far as it would go, used clips to keep from retracting, put two small buckets with warm water behind seat with belts submerged to soak a while.

Agitated- Used a 9" piece of white 3/4" PVC pipe with a slot cut through both sides over half way. Put belt down in this slot, held both ends of pipe, squeezed a little and pulled the belt through. Will drag out dirt and grime. Rinsed well, dried with towel then air dried. Came out soft and supple like new.

Lubricated return spring-Drilled a small hole in plastic cover of return spring, sprayed a bit of silicone spray via the little pipe that comes with it and taped over the hole afterward.

Overall it is about 90% better. Been about a year now. Drivers side lagging a few inches again, may need another cleaning. Passenger side like new. At least they function. Previously neither would retract.

 

GREAT replys & info!

we are starting to get some workable temps here now.... so this is on my list. my drivers side stays out at least 18" or so. passenger side not so much.

will keep you guys posted how it goes.

 

Please!^^^^

 

My belt was frayed and slow to retract. I tried cleaning it with minimal improvement. I replaced the belt webbing using Seat Belt Repair Service | Airbag Module Reset - Safety Restore - Safe. Super fast belt replacement and return shipping. Sign up on their website and get 10% off. It was free return shipping when I had my belt replaced.

 

I heard of someone winding the spring tighter, can't remember who it was though...

 

so i did the cleaning yesterday & it did make a bit of difference. gonna do it again today with the bucket trick & see if its "enough".

 

well i did insanely hot water with dawn in it & soaked them for 30 minutes, changed water to clean/clear... rinsed em.... dried em...

also washed & cleaned the pass thru buckles from the seat belt & side cabin mount.

hooked em back up.


results:

Passenger side now retracts all the way. still a bit slow, but it does go all the way.

Drivers side still lacks about 6-8" from home.


looks like i'll get into that spring/unit next on the drivers side.

 

I had no luck with tightening the springs. I think you will find that when the belt is pulled out that the spring is tensioned as far as it will go. The small hole drilled and some lubrication will do wonders for it. Also, that piece of PVC with a slot cut lengthwise about 2.3rds, the belt inserted into the slot and pulled back and forth will lift and scrape out a ton more grime than you think is there.

 

I’m just spit balling here…..

IF you have a Xtra cab……
Is there a chance to swap out the ‘spring’ mechanism only?
(I’m sure belt swap (front to rear) would not work)

 

Did you try this? Any updates on this topic?