Driver's seat belt tensioner - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

oso · #1 12-08-2008, 10:36 AM

Is there a cure for the "lazy" belt tensioner malady different than getting the whole assembly replaced? Obviously, I am running out of things to do...

Stevo · #2 12-08-2008, 11:12 AM

Its nice to have smooth working seat belts, you use them allot. Take off the trim on the center piller, lower piece first, and then you'l see how to clean and inspect the assembly, its been a while but I remember it was pretty oblivious once the trim is removed. Mine had lots of hair balls, and general junk slowing down the works. Or something maybe broken and a trip to the wrecker is in your future. Removing the whole assembly is easy if need be.

oso · #3 12-08-2008, 11:25 AM

Thanks, Stevo. Just finished taking the trim off. Will see what's next...

Dee8go · #4 12-08-2008, 11:32 AM

Do they have some sort of a spring mechanism inside them that makes the retract? Mine have pretty much quit retracting, too.

turbobenz · #5 12-08-2008, 07:49 PM

mine does this too and i keep getting the seatbelt stuck in the door

TchTchr · #6 01-27-2009, 11:25 AM

So has anyone cleaned theirs with any success? It is a sheet of ice outside and a good day to do little repair items (also working on odometer).

daw_two · #7 01-27-2009, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oso

Is there a cure for the "lazy" belt tensioner malady different than getting the whole assembly replaced? Obviously, I am running out of things to do...

It may be time for another project car......

Jeremy5848 · #8 01-27-2009, 12:32 PM

I've had mine open but not all apart, for cleaning. Yes, everything in the world ends up in the retraction mechanism. Mine would occasionally hang up and not want to move either way. I used compressed air and a vacuum cleaner together to dislodge and remove the accumulation of dust bunnies and dirt. There's a set of cams that stop the spring-loaded roller; if they hang up, the roller won't work properly. I don't think that would be an easy repair, probably better to get another from a junkyard car.

oso · #9 01-27-2009, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daw_two

It may be time for another project car......

Well, I spoke too soon: leaking power steering pump and vacuum pump had taken care of that.... But I will get that junk yard replacement tensioner as well!

TchTchr · #10 01-27-2009, 09:14 PM

Looks we are out again tomorrow because of all the ice - looks like it's time to do some cleaning.

Lycoming-8 · #11 01-27-2009, 10:41 PM

OSO, if your '87 has the explosive retractor booster like the '85, you need to be very careful in replacing or working on the lower seatbelt system. I don't have any 87's but do have an '85 which has this added feature.

Stevo · #12 01-28-2009, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lycoming-8

OSO, if your '87 has the explosive retractor booster like the '85, you need to be very careful in replacing or working on the lower seatbelt system. I don't have any 87's but do have an '85 which has this added feature.

Could you describe this a little more, I've not heard of this explosive retractor?.

Lycoming-8 · #13 01-28-2009, 12:32 AM

There is a warning on the parts that are inside the 'B' pillar cover if this explosive retractor is installed in your vehicle. It is my understanding this addition was used to reinforce the normal ratchet style of retractor set-up on the earlier seatbelt systems. When in place instead of just locking at the point where the seatbelt is, on impact the 'exploder' pulls the belt tighter.

The danger apparently is when working on these now nearly 25yr old systems that they might go off unexpectedly. As mentioned above, found this system on an '85 300D parts car, and I succesfully moved one to the '83 as the receiver on the '83 was snafu and the hook systems between '83 and '85 are different.

You might do a bit of searching here on the forum, as I believe it has been discussed before, just not very often.

Bio300TDTdriver · #14 01-28-2009, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevo

Could you describe this a little more, I've not heard of this explosive retractor?.

I think it started with the 124. There is a pyrotechnic charge that instantly tightens the front seat belts. I think it is set off by the air bag activation system.

I wonder if they still work after 23 years.

jt20 · #15 01-28-2009, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lycoming-8

There is a warning on the parts that are inside the 'B' pillar cover if this explosive retractor is installed in your vehicle. It is my understanding this addition was used to reinforce the normal ratchet style of retractor set-up on the earlier seatbelt systems. When in place instead of just locking at the point where the seatbelt is, on impact the 'exploder' pulls the belt tighter.

The danger apparently is when working on these now nearly 25yr old systems that they might go off unexpectedly. As mentioned above, found this system on an '85 300D parts car, and I succesfully moved one to the '83 as the receiver on the '83 was snafu and the hook systems between '83 and '85 are different.

You might do a bit of searching here on the forum, as I believe it has been discussed before, just not very often.

I have this warning on my pillar. It is yellow and confusing. Will post pics when I rebuild (repair) the belt mechanism.

Lots of responses / views on this thread, yet no one has repaired these mechanisms. Sounds Like a DIY opportunity.