Seat belt retract lever

[Dhos1]

Installing my new drivers side seatbelt retract spring since the old lever had broken off. It just came out, can it be as easy as just putting it in the hole or is it more serious than that and I am missing something. Nothing on these cars is ever that easy

 

[Mike Swentzel]

Did you ever install the retractor, if so hard or easy?

 

[Dhos1]

I did not, I actually think you just push, so I was trying to get some advice first to prevent anything. Like I said, it may be an easy thing, buy it seems like a seatbelt component would be more difficult

 

[Mike Swentzel]

Yea, it seems easier said than done.

 

[Dhos1]

It pulled out easy, but I’m sure it’s a bitch to go back in

 

[Dhos1]

Does anyone know if there is a special way this thing goes back in. Something s important as a seatbelt I would think it would have a procedure

 

[Dhos1]

So has no one changed this—I would think it would have some instructions more than just pushing and install since it has an important feature

 

[Hunter Dog]

I have replaced these a few times, been a couple of years since the last one. It is more difficult than one might think. If I remember correctly you will need to remove some of the plastic panels from the B pillar area and back toward the rear to gain access to this metal box that is around the actuator. I cannot remember how many pieces need to come out but I am pretty sure there are 2 or 3. Maybe a body guy out there has a better way than what I remember doing but I am not sure. Maybe there is a tool used for this kind of thing so the interior panels do not need to come off. Good luck !

 

[Dhos1]

I knew it had to be more to it….. how does it sit inside the metal box that are talking about? Do you remember

 

[Hunter Dog]

I will look on my phone to see if I have any pics. The deal is you just have to get to where it goes in so it can be rotated properly to apply the pressure needed for the actuator to work when the door is opened and closed as it is supposed to work. This is not hard to see once you have access I do know that, no issue at all imho. Just need to be able to get to it by removing some of those panels. It is tough on the lower back that I do remember. If I find any helpful pics on my phone I will upload them and send them to you.

 

[sparky0798]

This might help. It starts around the 6:50 mark.

 

[Hunter Dog]

Yes, this is very good. Around the 10 minute mark he shows the area for the actuator.
Thank you for posting !