My drivers side seat belt is kind of difficult to pull out it feels like theres some resistance like its twisted (its not). Is this a common problem, does anyone have any suggestions?
You have to go in and ask the Service Advisor about the TSB. Depending on the year of your car, you might get a free replacement (don't know about labor). If it is more than 7 years old, I think you are out of luck.
What's wrong with the seatbelt retractor assembly, you might ask? The nylon guide (looks like a bobbin) that keeps the belt from rubbing on the metal bracket breaks apart and the pieces can get lodged in the assembly and then it doesn't retract or pull out very easily. Last time I bought a seatbelt assembly, the cost was about $80.
What's wrong with the seatbelt retractor assembly, you might ask? The nylon guide (looks like a bobbin) that keeps the belt from rubbing on the metal bracket breaks apart and the pieces can get lodged in the assembly and then it doesn't retract or pull out very easily.
Hey Chris, is this 'bobbin' exposed or behind the door panel? Are we talking about the part at the top of the door post? If that's the part you are referring to, that is not the problem I am having. I too have the issue the thread starter reported (seems like it's twisted and won't retract easily) but it is not getting hung up on that gimmick at the top of the door post.
Nonetheless, thanks for the input!
I'd like to hear if others have had similiar issues with twisting belts and belt not wanting to fully retract. (and how they fixed it)
The bobbin is inside a metal housing and the housing is bolted to the body and is hidden by the interior trim panel. Basically, the belt winds onto the bobbin and the bobbin spins within this 3/16"(?) thick (it's pretty robust) housing.
The guide (the A-shaped thing) that is bolted to the pillar has been revised for the +99's to incorporate a Teflon coating so the belt slides over it much better than the original design. My replacement did not come with this feature but it has never been much of a problem (thank goodness) but the New Edge guys complain a lot about the guide.
The seat belt can be "corrected" if it is twisted. What I did was buckle the belt and noticed there was a twist in the belt. So, I grappled with belt until I started a twist (the opposite way of the original twist). It is a real bear to work the belt back on itself to remove the original twist but it can be done. You have to pull the edge of the belt over at the same time you are pulling the belt through the guide. You can get the edge of the belt further in either direction, just keep pulling on that edge and when you've pulled the belt out as far as you can, then keep pulling on the edge and pull the belt back down towards the retractor. You don't need to take the interior panel off, just keep working the web from the "wrong side" to the side you want to eliminate the twist as the belt goes forward and backward (you have to pull it both ways). Eventually, you'll get the belt flipped over the way you want it.