Rear seat belt retraction.

handyman · Unread post by **handyman** » 23 Dec 2008, 08:53

Can anybody remember the linky on here for modifying the rear seat belts so they spool a little faster?

I have been through the archive using the search facility and seem to remember reading about a mod that could be done to help the rear seat belt retract. It was in the last few months but I am bu**ered if I can find it!

I am sure my marbles are still here.

MOT time is looming for the estate and I have a couple of little jobs to do.

Handyman

DickieG · Unread post by **DickieG** » 23 Dec 2008, 08:59

If its on an estate "they all do that Guv" and are slow to retract by poor design

admiral51 · Unread post by **admiral51** » 23 Dec 2008, 09:03

Im sure someone said spray furniture polish or something similar on the full length of the belt as it retracts
But i could be well wide of the mark................

Colin

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 23 Dec 2008, 09:06

DickieG wrote:If its on an estate "they all do that Guv" and are slow to retract by poor design

Quite

My kids (and all their mates) are now fully conditioned to carefully retract the seatbelts as they alight.

After years of "Seatbelts Girls!" being shouted at them, they have got the message!

I don't think it'll make it fail the MOT Handyman, as long as the belts properly latch-up when tugged, no worries.

vince · Unread post by **vince** » 23 Dec 2008, 10:53

my hatchback is the same, the front arent that clever either.

Mine passed the MOT less than a month ago with the belts like that

handyman · Unread post by **handyman** » 23 Dec 2008, 11:00

Hello Chaps, thanks for all the prompt replies.

Spraying the belts with any sort of silicone based lubricant is a no-no as the silicates can rot the webbing or stitching.

I thought there was a link, only recently, to another forum, aussiefrogs, etc, to effect a modification to the mechanism as it would then allow the belts to spool at a slightly faster speed. Or am I dreaming?

Handyman

Unread post by **myglaren** » 23 Dec 2008, 11:33

Interesting that the silicone lubricant degrades the webbing, hadn't heard that previously.

It is a common fault on C5s, mine included and I give mine a squirt of Asda cabin cleaner ever few months.

Fully extend it, a light spray along the full retracing length (not the permanently exposed bits) and it lasts for ages.

admiral51 · Unread post by **admiral51** » 23 Dec 2008, 11:47

Ahh so i could be right i could be wrong

Nothing like a 50-50 choice is there

Colin

Unread post by **myglaren** » 23 Dec 2008, 11:57

You are probably right, it was the first I had heard about silicone degrading the fabric. I'm mildly concerned about the possible outcome of that.

Xaccers · Unread post by **Xaccers** » 23 Dec 2008, 14:55

I'm pretty certain silicone is inert, unless it contains petrolium distiliates (like many dash bright sprays can).
I use it all the time on rubber and plastics - hmm, that somehow sounds worse than it is...

handyman · Unread post by **handyman** » 23 Dec 2008, 17:05

A quick look in my technical data records for silicone based lubricants shows that there is a myriad of different types for different applications.

The most suitable item I could find was a spray made by Ambersil (CFC Chemicals) and designed for the food industry, which stated the silicone content was inert when in contact with most materials and was also able to have sustained contact with skin with no deleterious effects. It could be sprayed onto fabrics, woven items, etc. and was acceptable for use on all plastics. It contains no harmful propellants but fumes were still hazardous.

Many other silicone sprays are harmful and will react with oxidising agents, some also causing decomposition when in contact with carbon or carbon oxides.

In addition, many can cause skin irritation and dermatitis with prolonged skin contact, by defatting the skin.

The only other downside is that ALL these products are extremely harmful to aquatic life.

I may try the silicone lubricant as a temporary measure but will look at the design of the system to see if there is a more agreeable fix.

Would still like to find that linky though.

Handyman

davek-uk · Unread post by **davek-uk** » 30 Dec 2008, 10:02

A bit of a late reply, I'm afraid - just catching up after Christmas...

I was faced with a MoT fail as my estate rear seatbelts were retracting too slowly a few years back. I tried dismantling and lubricating the belt spindles; a terrible job (don't do it) and it made no difference. In the end I trimmed and reshaped the slot in the c-pillar trim they disappear into. This made a lot of difference and got my MoT pass. Even now they still retract swiftly.

Dave

VertVega · Unread post by **VertVega** » 30 Dec 2008, 16:42

Hi Dave, I have attached this picture in another thread earlier. Rear seat belt stopped retraction and the reason is seen below. After fixing it is functioning now but it is slow.

Is this seat belt slot same as in yours. What kind of modifications did you make there?
I guess many Xantia Estate owner's kids are "well trained" about dealing with the rear seat belts

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 30 Dec 2008, 17:02

VertVega wrote: I guess many Xantia Estate owner's kids are "well trained" about dealing with the rear seat belts

Mine are

VertVega · Unread post by **VertVega** » 02 Jan 2009, 18:38

I have been trying to figure out a modification for the seat belt but unfortunately I didn't come up with a solution yet. Here is a close up from the same original picture. The smooth curved surface of that metal makes me think that the belt should go through that gap there. Am I right OR (right) ... ?
Any ideas?

PS: Dave are you still catching up after New Year ?