Post Reply
cchan
Platinum
Platinum
Posts: 453
Joined: Sun Sep 03, 2006 1:02 pm
Location: Piedmont Ca
Contact:

Drivers Side Seat Belt Won't Retract

Post by cchan »

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone rebuilt their seat belt retractor unit. My drivers side does not retract all the way. We pulled it off yesterday to check that it was installed properly. It was installed correctly but the spring is weak and therefore, does not go back in. I was going to switch it with the passanger side since this side works but I was told they are not interchange?

1). Does anyone know how to rebuild this?
2). Is the passanger side and the drivers side interchangable?

Thanks for any suggestions.
User avatar
MD
Verde
Verde
Posts: 2524
Joined: Mon Nov 22, 2004 2:37 am
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Contact:

Re: Drivers Side Seat Belt Won't Retract

Post by MD »

just install 2 new ones
Transaxle Alfas Haul More Arse
cchan
Platinum
Platinum
Posts: 453
Joined: Sun Sep 03, 2006 1:02 pm
Location: Piedmont Ca
Contact:

Re: Drivers Side Seat Belt Won't Retract

Post by cchan »

Hi Md,

I wish it was that easy. The passanger side on is ok. I only need one. I just went to John Norman at Alfa Parts and he is looking into this for me. I appears that new ones may not be an option since the my Alfa is 27 years old now. I think I will need to get a used one but they may not work as well.

I was wondering if the passager side one is interchangable with the drivers side so I have more choices in terms of used parts. However, Joe told me that he thinks they are not interchangable. Joe is not an Alfa expert so I am just checking my facts.

Therefore, it looks like rebuilding the one that I have could be the best choice and therefore, I am looking for suggestions.


Thanks for any help.
User avatar
MD
Verde
Verde
Posts: 2524
Joined: Mon Nov 22, 2004 2:37 am
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Contact:

Re: Drivers Side Seat Belt Won't Retract

Post by MD »

cchan,

Please bear in mind what the belt is for. To save your scone.
Also bear in mind that UV light affects the fibres that make up the belts. They should be replaced every 5 years or so for safety in any case (nobody does it of course).

In Oz, it is illegal to fit used belts as a replacement part and for good reason.

If you want to have the safety afforded by these belts, fit new belts. End of story.

Forget the transposition right to left or vice versa.
Transaxle Alfas Haul More Arse
cchan
Platinum
Platinum
Posts: 453
Joined: Sun Sep 03, 2006 1:02 pm
Location: Piedmont Ca
Contact:

Re: Drivers Side Seat Belt Won't Retract

Post by cchan »

That makes sense to me. I hope I can get a new one. John is getting ready for the Wine County races so he just took my order and said he will get back with me. I will be bring my Alfa finally to hopefully do some parade laps this weekend at infineon.

I think Phil will be there too and I hope he can double check my steering wheel situation.
User avatar
Mats
Verde
Verde
Posts: 4059
Joined: Mon Nov 29, 2004 12:26 am
Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
Contact:

Re: Drivers Side Seat Belt Won't Retract

Post by Mats »

Here in Sweden you can't pass the yearly inspection unless the belts retract properly, it's to keep the belts tight to your body. Less slack means less acceleration at impact.

5 years sounds very short life, no manufacturer in the world would be able to sell cars with belts that only lasted 5 years, especially the new ones with pyro, would be incredibly expensive to replace. Never seen a service manual that specify seat belt chenge at intervals either.
Mats Strandberg
-Scuderia Rosso- Now burned to the ground...
-onemanracing.com-
-Strandberg.photography-

GTV 2000 -77 - Died in the fire.
155 V6 Sport -96 - Sold!
User avatar
SimonB
Gold
Gold
Posts: 188
Joined: Sat Dec 11, 2004 3:02 pm
Location: Cambridge, UK

Re: Drivers Side Seat Belt Won't Retract

Post by SimonB »

If you can't find in US:

http://www.securon.co.uk

They are cheaper if you get them through a dealer rather than direct, Quiller Triumph in the UK sell them.

http://www.quillertriumph.co.uk/Quiller/Parts/parts.htm

They are not that expensive although transport will cost a bit to the US I guess.
¡Si me gusta conducir, es porque conduzco un Alfa!

'84 GTV6 UK spec back on the road after 4 years!
05 Corolla daily driver
cchan
Platinum
Platinum
Posts: 453
Joined: Sun Sep 03, 2006 1:02 pm
Location: Piedmont Ca
Contact:

Re: Drivers Side Seat Belt Won't Retract

Post by cchan »

Thanks for the information everyone. I hope that we can source new one in USA.
John in Albq
Silver
Silver
Posts: 18
Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2008 10:59 am

Re: Drivers Side Seat Belt Won't Retract

Post by John in Albq »

International Auto Parts (International-auto.com) lists "virtually perfect match" belts for the originals at around $100 a pop.
Post Reply