Seat Belt replacement - W140's

[Redflash]

The front seat passenger side seatbelt on my 1993 500 SEL does not retract as it should. I need to replace or repair it and I know it has a cartridge activated retract mechanism as part of its design. I have read some previous threads which seem to indicate that device may have been activated due to a collision of some sort, and indeed the right front fender has been repainted. I also have seen where someone said the battery power should be disconnected before removing the squib wires on the cartridge device.

I would appreciate any advice on what it takes to remove and replace, or even repair, this seatbelt.
I submitted a PIR at the Partshop page a few days ago.

Thanks.

Scotty

[joelpdavis]

Before you go too far, look under the back seat to make sure the seat belt wire is plugged in. That's all I know, can't help you beyond that.
Joel

[Redflash]

Thanks, Joel. It seems to move a little more freely now. The previous owner didn't use them so hopefully they are just suffering from non-use.

Scotty