Sluggish seat belt.

Tiny
DARIUSBD
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 SUBARU OUTBACK
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 134,000 MILES
My driver's side seat belt does not retract without my coaxing it to. Is there a simple was to "energize" the retraction - maybe some WD-40 kind of spray?
Thanks.
Monday, March 14th, 2011 AT 4:00 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,737 POSTS
Not WD-40. Silicone Spray Lube works well. It goes on like water then evaporates quickly leaving some "slippery" behind with no residue like WD-40. I use it on mine about once a year.
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Monday, March 14th, 2011 AT 4:31 AM
Tiny
DARIUSBD
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  • 9 POSTS
Thanks CaradioDoc. I have a follow-up question:
Since the "retractor" mechanism is hidden behind the panels in the body of the car, is the "Silicone Spray Lube" something I can spray on the extended belt and release it back into its retractor for it to take effect?
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Tuesday, March 15th, 2011 AT 1:45 AM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,737 POSTS
Sorry for not giving a decent explanation. Spray it on the 2 or 3 feet of the belt where it goes through the hook above your shoulder. The retractor isn't the problem unless something like a pencil or a coin fell into it. When the liquid silicone evaporates, it will leave the belt fabric slippery so it will slide through the hook easier. I use Chrysler's Silicone Spray Lube but you can find it at auto parts stores too. (Not silicone gasket sealer; you want a spray in a can). It also works well for sluggish power windows. Drench the rubber channels on the sides of the glass. It also works REAL well for sliding rubber parts onto metal parts such as heater hoses.
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Tuesday, March 15th, 2011 AT 1:59 AM
Tiny
DARIUSBD
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Thanks CaradioDoc for the thorough and complete answer. I had been under the impression that the retractor had gotten old! I'll get the spray and give it a whirl.
Thanks again :)
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Tuesday, March 15th, 2011 AT 3:17 AM

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