So I was looking for something to do on the 914 today, and figured I'd clean out the old seatbelt mechanism so that maybe the seatbelt would work a little better without getting hung up all the time, and SPRING, out flies this masive spring in a huge mess.
Got the rest of it cleaned up OK, but can't for the life of me figure out how this spring goes back in. Any tips, or is this a lost cause? Any help appreciated, Steve
74' 914
Full Version: Seatbelt Spring
Smartass answer #1: With lots of blood--because that thing is sharp!
Smartass answer #2: Using heavy gloves and some wood implements to hold it, because that thing is sharp!
Smartass answer #3: It goes in wrong lots of ways, from not enough tension on the belt to so tight you can't pull the belt out without using both hands!
...Serious answer: It is a coil spring, even though the metal is flat and not a rod. It gets twisted around and around and around. I forget where along the outside part it hooks to, but the reel in the middle has a slot the spring fits into. Be very careful, because the sucker is sharp! You're lucky it didn't take part of your face off when it sprung loose. Use heavy gloves and wooden implements to save your hands from cuts. Set it up and try it; you will likely have to make several attempts to get the tension close.
Luckily the tension doesn't have anything to do with the locking mechanism, so as long as you get decently close on the tension level you won't increase your odds of eating the steering wheel. Much.
If you're in the "better safe than sorry" camp, get a new reel.
--DD
Smartass answer #2: Using heavy gloves and some wood implements to hold it, because that thing is sharp!
Smartass answer #3: It goes in wrong lots of ways, from not enough tension on the belt to so tight you can't pull the belt out without using both hands!
...Serious answer: It is a coil spring, even though the metal is flat and not a rod. It gets twisted around and around and around. I forget where along the outside part it hooks to, but the reel in the middle has a slot the spring fits into. Be very careful, because the sucker is sharp! You're lucky it didn't take part of your face off when it sprung loose. Use heavy gloves and wooden implements to save your hands from cuts. Set it up and try it; you will likely have to make several attempts to get the tension close.
Luckily the tension doesn't have anything to do with the locking mechanism, so as long as you get decently close on the tension level you won't increase your odds of eating the steering wheel. Much.
If you're in the "better safe than sorry" camp, get a new reel.
--DD
Even the brand new ones have weak springs and I had to tighten mine. I think it's just because they have been sitting around so long and the springs get a little tired.
If the fabric in the belt is still soft and pliable, tightening the spring can be done but it can be hazardous to your heath if it gets away from you. I have offered to tighten springs for other members for $20.00\set (you pay shipping).
If they have to be tightened a lot, it reduces the amount of pull out you get. Not usually a problem unless you have a large waist, short legs and aftermarket seats all of which consume more belt length.
The best part is that you no longer have to "work" to get the damn belt to retract, they just recoil like a late model car.
If the fabric in the belt is still soft and pliable, tightening the spring can be done but it can be hazardous to your heath if it gets away from you. I have offered to tighten springs for other members for $20.00\set (you pay shipping).
If they have to be tightened a lot, it reduces the amount of pull out you get. Not usually a problem unless you have a large waist, short legs and aftermarket seats all of which consume more belt length.
The best part is that you no longer have to "work" to get the damn belt to retract, they just recoil like a late model car.
I am on the same boat... I am thinking of straightening the coil and then slowly and carefully winding it back up...that should give it some tension
but is that too much?
it is a pull spring right? meaning I would have to wind it on the outside rather than the inside?
I hate springs
Also my locking meachanism on the other side is trying to malfunction, is there a fix?
I might buy new ones or 944's...
but is that too much?
it is a pull spring right? meaning I would have to wind it on the outside rather than the inside?
I hate springs
Also my locking meachanism on the other side is trying to malfunction, is there a fix?
I might buy new ones or 944's...
QUOTE(PRS914-6 @ May 18 2009, 10:30 AM) 
Even the brand new ones have weak springs and I had to tighten mine. I think it's just because they have been sitting around so long and the springs get a little tired.
If the fabric in the belt is still soft and pliable, tightening the spring can be done but it can be hazardous to your heath if it gets away from you. I have offered to tighten springs for other members for $20.00\set (you pay shipping).
If they have to be tightened a lot, it reduces the amount of pull out you get. Not usually a problem unless you have a large waist, short legs and aftermarket seats all of which consume more belt length.
The best part is that you no longer have to "work" to get the damn belt to retract, they just recoil like a late model car.
He tightened my seat blets for my '74 and they came out great!! Thanks Again..
If you ever take you seatbelt retracter apart and the spring turns into a BIG HAIR BALL looking thing. It takes time and patients, but you can put it back together. So don't take it apart. I understand all adustments are made without taking it apart to see the spring.
how to re-wind your seat belt spring.
The pictures in this link are for a passenger side unit, I assume that, cause mine was a mirror to this one. I also assume late cars have a spring that will only start one way... THank the lord for that, it was trouble enough without the fear of doing it backwards.
how to re-wind your seat belt spring.
The pictures in this link are for a passenger side unit, I assume that, cause mine was a mirror to this one. I also assume late cars have a spring that will only start one way... THank the lord for that, it was trouble enough without the fear of doing it backwards.
QUOTE(srb7f @ May 17 2009, 03:24 PM)
So I was looking for something to do on the 914 today, and figured I'd clean out the old seatbelt mechanism so that maybe the seatbelt would work a little better without getting hung up all the time, and SPRING, out flies this masive spring in a huge mess.
Got the rest of it cleaned up OK, but can't for the life of me figure out how this spring goes back in. Any tips, or is this a lost cause? Any help appreciated, Steve
74' 914
Been there, done that. Re-winding the spring can be done, but be patient, you gotta rewind it in the opposite direction it's in now. here's photo of rewound part
IIRC I started from the inside and re-coiled out from there.
Don't let it get away from you !
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