It is safe to say that a vehicle’s seat belts are the most significant component of the safety features for both the driver and the passengers. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that the driver and passengers not only wear the seat belts, but that the seat belts are in perfect condition to work in the event of an accident.
There are many situations in which seat belts should be replaced: ripped, torn, cut, locked after an accident or just dirty and old. As time goes on and the seat belt begins to age, they may become worn out and not function at their best capacity. This is the ideal time to look at your seat belt and see if it may be in need of a replacement or repair.
If your car is in a collision or accident, a replacement seat belt is mandatory. Even if your seat belt looks fine after the accident, there may be an issue with the seat belt pretensioner that causes locking or retraction issues. Until you order a replacement seat belt, you're putting both the occupants of the vehicle at safety risk.
Video: How to remove seat belt pretensioner
What You Will Need
So, what will you need to properly replace a worn, damaged or locked seat belt retractor/pretensioner? The various tools that you will need include trim removal tools, a screwdriver, a ratchet, a specialty socket wrench, as well as a torque wrench. A flashlight is also recommended to assist you in seeing the difficult areas of the safety device. The tools for the trim removal will be used to loosen the belt covers, close-out panels and trim the panels. You will need the screwdriver to unscrew the trim covers. The ratchet and the socket wrench are necessary to unfasten the bolt-on trim parts and attachment bolts. Finally, the torque wrench will be used to tighten the bolt according to provided specifications. If you are unsure of which torque specifications are required for your particular vehicle, you may consult your vehicle repair manual for further information.
Common Tools Needed
- Standard Flathead Screwdriver
- Torx Bit T45 – T50
- Socket Set 10mm – 17mm
- Some VW & AUDI vehicle use Triple Square Sockets
| Torx Bit T45 – T50 |
Socket Set 10mm – 17mm |
Triple Square Sockets |
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Replacing the Front Seat Belts
Almost every modern vehicle has a three-pint seat belt in the front seats. In order to replace the front seat belts, you must replace both the buckle assembly and the shoulder belt attachment, as well as the attachment point on the opposite side of the seat. You must remove the trim panel so as to access the attachment points that are located behind the center pillar molding. The trim removal tools will come in handy next to loosen the panels and locate the clips that the trim panels are attached by. Once you find these clips, you will use the tools to loosen them. You will proceed to use the socket wrench to remove the pieces that are screwed or bolted on. The new seat belt will then be attached according the belt’s routing and, once installed, the attachment bolts should be attached using the torque specifications.
Replacing the Rear Seat Belts
While the rear seat belts are similar to the front seat belts in regards to the installment process, there is a difference in that the shoulder belt attachment may be in the headliner of the passenger compartment. This requires special attention so as to prevent damage to the headliner during the removal. In a passenger vehicle, you will find the seat belt attachments located under the bottom of the rear seat. You may remove the cushion by pushing the seat toward the rear of the vehicle near to where the seat rests on the floor. As you push back on the center of the seat cushion, you should be able to feel the spring tension release, which will allow you to lift the seat and remove it from the vehicle so as to access the seat belt. Once you have successfully replaced the seat belt, you can use the necessary torque to attach the fasteners. Replacing a seat belt and ensuring that your vehicle’s safety devices are in perfect condition is crucial to maintaining your safety and passenger safety when operating a vehicle. If you still feel unsure of how to properly replace your seat belt, MyAirbags is pleased to offer a seat belt repairs services. MyAirbags offers seat belt repairs that will restore your vehicle’s safety features back to their original factory condition using all OEM parts within 24 hours. MyAirbags is pleased to offer a less expensive alternative to the pricey dealership part replacements. Trust in MyAirbags to repair your seat belts and get you back on the road again, safely, in no time!
This is How a Seat Belt Retractor/Pretensioner Looks Like:
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