Questions about Seat belts

[LordVngr]

I've got this issue with the seat belts in my 89 ranger that I'm pretty sure is a problem and Not Working As Designed. The thing is I dont know how to confirm this or whats causing it.

The problem is that the shoulder harness belt doesnt seem to catch/snag like it should on a hard forward jerk. When I get in the car, put the seatbelt on and drive the shoulder belt will slowly lose any tension against my chest. I can pull it out a little and let go and it takes up the slack again but it will do it again.

If I pull on the shoulder strap real quick shouldnt it catch and not release any more slack. My shoulder belt will pull out all the way to the end and Never Catch.

Does that make sense to you, do you understand what I'm trying to say. Other then this the seatbelts look to be in good condition and the lap belt works fine. Again, I'm not even sure this Is a Problem But seems so to me.

Anybody know what might be happening and can it be fixed Or am I going to have to buy New Seatbelts. Thanks in advance fopr your responce.....


LV

 

[Mark_88]

Try stomping on the brakes to see if it locks...if it doesn't, you may want to replace the unit...they're not hard to replace...but you will need a torx socket to do it...and hopefully don't run into any rust...

 

[LordVngr]

Well I'm 99% sure there bad. I tested the jump seat seat belts tonight and they work just like I expected them to. When you pull the belt out, relax it just a little and then pull it again it locks untill you release the tension. The fronts dont do that and they should.

Looking on jc whitney / Lmc truck there about 70 a pop Yes I can get them from a junk yard I suppose but might be hard matching the interior color and I want it to match. Besides I'm doing a interior resteration and I've already spent a chunk on a sunroof and new carpet.

My truck is pretty rust free. Why do they rust at the seat belt mounting points? Thanks....

 

[Sunk]

Often the catch will be triggered by a pendulum unit inside the reel that is hard to trigger unless you simulate a scenario in which in would be needed (like stomping on the brakes). I'd try that before you go replacing them all.

As to why they rust, when I pulled one of my jumpseats out to install my sub box, I noticed the bolts holding it to the floor went all the way through. I guess the outside moisture causes the rust. My truck is also rust free, and had rust on a most of the seat bracket. Also moisture can be easily trapped underneath the carpet.

 

[Chris102371]

My seat belts do the same thing in my 88. I'm gonna try to get some out of a newer ranger to put in.