The seat belt retractors on my 85 244 are hard to operate. They extend a few inches, get stuck,extend a few more inches, get stuck,etc.

How do you fix this?

I have same issue. When it got stuck during its half way out, I tug hard on the belt, release it a bit then pull it out again very very slowly. Sometimes even need to release it completely (i.e. back to its resting place) then pull out very slowly. I'm not keen to dismantle the mechanism out of the B pillar. So far these work!

BTW if the belt has problem to retract fully, pull it out all the way, secure it then clean it with warm soap (dishwasher would do) repeatedly. After no more grime comes out rinse with water. Let it hang out dry before allowing it retracting to rest.

Regards,
Amarin.

Thank you. A cleaning wouldn't hurt, but I think I may have to take it apart to reset the wire pins in the mechanism. This looks like a scary job.

For your own safety, send it to a professional, buy a good used 1 or buy a new one.
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Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90502
hiperformanceautoservice.com or oldvolvosonly.com

Is it particularly tricky and unsafe to fix them yourself? I didn't think of buying the whole assembly. How much are they used?

When you choose a surgeon, you want someone who knows what she's doing, right? Not just someone who's watched a few youtubes.

Working on seat belts, or brakes for that matter, can have life changing results not only for you but for others in your care or path as well. Choose someone who understands the system whether that's yourself or a professional.
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Art Benstein near Baltimore

Two cows are standing next to each other in a field. Daisy says to Dolly, "I was artificially inseminated this morning." "I don't believe you," says Dolly.

"It's true, no bull!" exclaims Daisy.

Sage advice. What is your preferred supplier for new seat belt assemblies?

AFAIK, only Volvo sells a bolt in replacement seat belt.

I can sell you the new Volvo updated seat belt for Volvo's suggested list price.

I looked up the part number and called my local dealer and the seat belt is in stock in the local warehouse here in LA.



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Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90502
hiperformanceautoservice.com or oldvolvosonly.com

Thanks. My driver's shoulder harness works, but is difficult to extend. I agree that human life is priceless, but before purchasing a replacement assembly I am inclined to find out if the spring wires in the retractor mechanism have come out of their slots. I would have to remove the assembly to replace it with a new one anyway.

By all means.

Maybe you'll find a simple fix like a foreign object causing the problem.

And if you do need a new one, it won't take long to get a replacement.

Good luck,


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Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90502
hiperformanceautoservice.com or oldvolvosonly.com

Hello,

New front retractable seat belts are available for $150.00. For comparison, it costs $175.00 to recondition and reweb the retractable seat belts that aren't available new.

If I had such a thing as a good used retractable seat belt, I would ask about half the price of new 1 or about $75.00.

If you still want to try, the seat belts are little tricky to repair yourself, but not dangerous to work on.

Dangerous after you work on it????????

Look I am not trying to cast aspersions on your mechanical ability, but what if the seat belt fails to work properly during an accident and you or a loved one gets what might have been avoidable injuries because of it.

Isn't $150.00 worth the piece of mind.
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Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90502

Been a few years... but

http://cleanflametrap.com/v83belt.html
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Art Benstein near Baltimore

Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?

Thanks Art!

arty b - because they could break your wallet. dont want to be po do you. always maintain a sinking fund for unforeseen clusterf@#ks. regards oldduke