540 vette

One of my lap belt retractor was jamming up and not holding and retracting. I drilled 1/8 inch holes in the plastic covers at each end and squirted some WD40 into them and let it sit for awhile. Then I ran the belt in and out a few times and now it works great. Maybe this will help someone.

Freddy76

Thanks, I was having the same problem.

7T1vette

Such problems are usually due to sticky retractor mechanisms (as you described) or from belts with fraying edges getting loose fibers caught up in the retractor. If the latter is the problem, trim off all loose webbing fibers and plan on getting the belt webbing redone or replacing the belts in the 'not too distant' future.

540 vette

My belt webbing and labels on the webbing were in perfect condition. Just the passenger lap belt were the labels a little dirty.

7T1vette

Your lubrication approach has likely resolved the problem.

Sluefoot

I would think spray silicone would be better....wouldn't smell as bad

Kevin BC

My seat belt will tighten and not release. For example in spirited driving when I hit a bump and bounce in the seat the seat belt ratchet will tighten and not release. Is lubrication a fix for this also?

7T1vette

Probably. There is a counter-weight in that retractor that will latch the mechanism when negative G-forces are present. It should release when force is negated, but the pivot could be corroded or sticky for some other reason.

I would pull the belt all the way out of the retractor and hold it there while spraying some lube into the mechancism. That way it won't discolor the belt webbing and more lube may find its way into that gizmo. My preference would be to use white lithium spray lube, rather than silicone (which evaporates rather quickly) or WD-40 (which is a Water Dispersant...not a particularly good lubricant). But, whatever you have that works is fine. If you think there could be rust internally, PB Blaster would be good.