Replacing
A Seat Belt
Replacing
a seat belt assembly is easier than replacing a single part. For example to
replace seat belt webbing, you have to put in extra efforts but to replace a
seat belt assembly, you just have to remove bolts holding the assembly and then
replace it with the new one. A seat belt consists of retractor and buckle
mainly. The retractor is the part that allows the smooth retraction of the
webbing and buckle is the end where you plug your belt.
There
may be many reasons to replace your seat belt like webbing damages,
malfunctioning buckle, and retractor or after a crash. Seat belts are important
for your safety. If it was used at the time significant crash then it should be
replaced. The webbing stretches without breaking at the time of crash and
prevents you from slamming. When it gets subjected to such high forces at the
time of crash, it usually gets stretched permanently and loses its strength.
After
the accident, it may not stretch as it used to stretch earlier. Therefore, it
can cause serious injuries to the driver in the next accident especially to the
chest, neck and your back. In fact, the whole seat belt assembly including the
retractor and the buckle can’t be trusted after a major crash. In some
vehicles, seat belts are fitted with pretensioners that pull the seat belt
tight in the event of accidents. The pretensioner works only once and then it
has to be replaced. Hence, seat belt repair is not enough after the events of
crash.
Replacing
seat belt webbing can be inexpensive but the replacement of the other parts can
cost you more. Seat belt replacement is usually not expensive but for some
vehicles, it may be expensive. In such cases, you can go for second hand belts.
But before buying second hand seat belts, make sure that its parts are not
missing and it works properly.
After
replacing the seat belt assembly, carry out inspection and testing of the
assembly properly for safety reasons. Check if the webbing retracts smoothly
and buckle functions fine. If you are wondering how to fix seat belt retractor
and test if it is working properly then grasp the belt and give it a jerk. If
it is fine then the retractor will lock up. If it doesn’t lock up then it
should be replaced.
If the
retractor is fine then it will always lock up without additional webbing at the
time of jerks.
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