Hi,
I have a 2015 Mazda 3 I touring. Since a week back, its passenger seat belt is stuck. I haven't been in an accident. I was hoping simply retracting it a little would fix it, and so I removed the 14mm nut - but this did not work. I have the retractor pulled out right now. How can I fix it? Is this something diy or will I need to take it to a mechanic?

Please see the attached short video.

 

I can see the video at the moment but generally it’s debris. You can pullout the belt as if seated and bulking up wipe the belt and let id rewind a couple times. If you have a compressor blow it out while fully pulled out . You can also apply leather treatment ment in small amount to apply to the belt as well.

I will try to look at the video later to make sure we are talking about the same thing .

 

Thanks. I tried spraying wd40 based upon some suggestions online, but that did not fix it. Maybe I need to open the retractor and then spray lubricant?

 

oh no don’t use that. WD-40 is a solvent and can decade the belt material .
WOW …ya another example that the internet is full of bad and in this unsafe advice.
Don't use any liquid lubricants on safety belts only use non petroleum grease . And do not let that get in contact with the belt only the metal retracting areas parts.

As I said you want to clean the parts but carefully and with correct material.


Sorry you did start your thread sooner

 

I just saw your YouTube. It appears your retractor is not functioning. The only way to attempt a repair is to disassemble the unit and attempt to reset the retractor if it is not damaged . If you never done one then I suggest it may be a better option to purchase a new belt assembly . It not even worth a service shop to repair them because they will likely bill for at least 1 hour labor. In California the average rate is 150 and in Southern California it varies 120 to over 160 per hour.

 

It’s funny we drive new and used vehicles for years and even decades never thinking twice about safety belts but in most sanction competition the regulations require they be changed every 5-7 years mandatory depending on the sanction establishment like NHRA, SCCA , NASCAR, to name the most well known. Yet most owners will never change the belts in a vehicle that’s 10 or 20 years old .

My guys in the shop won’t touch anyone’s steering wheel with out glove and never use their belts, lol I don’t blame them on the steering wheel with out gloves but I still buckle up . But really ever look at the stuff that accumulates in the retractor area and belt clip areas. Then there is lipstick, coffee , catsup from McDonald fries or the one hand steering the other shoving a burrito in your face and the ingredients spilling on the belt and left to soak in the fibers and dry.

lol now I bet those reading may think twice about cleaning the belts once in a while . Simple thought an accident and a person weighing 160 lbs the force applied to the safety belt is approx. 7000 lbs + depending on the speed of impact .

 

Thanks for checking out the video and the suggestions. I was able to open the retractor - here is how it is stuck. Do you think it can be fixed?

 

Safety components and parts there is not a set servicing steps because of the liability regarding repairing those parts. If you were to disassemble the unit to access it the best you could hope is to apply none petroleum grease in the retractor gear only like Redline grease which is not petroleum based but a synthetic lubricant. This would only be a hil marry to free up the locked transmission gears assembly. I do not recommend dismantling any further .

 

I tried opening it further. The spring action is not working. As in the central hook that's supposed to go in and not lock, keeps sticking out and locking. Know a good place to order a new belt assembly? I see https://mazda.oempartsonline.com/oem...ly-bhy957l3002 where its $300+taxes. Is it safe to order from ebay?

 

If it is an authorized dealer or retailer for Mazda parts that is selling on eBay. Otherwise you don’t know about the product and it will not be covered for warranty .