eugkim

The rear passenger belt in my 88 S4 will retract, but won't release. My 11 year old twins are always in the back - it used to take about 5 minutes of constant, little tugs to get enough length in the belt to latch it. Now it won't release at all.

I took the mechanism apart. Seems fairly straight forward - there's the lock mechanism which is attached to a steel ball. I assume that the ball will shift with braking, causing the tong to lock the belt wheel. There's also a tension wheel with a separate latch mechanism. My problem is that the ball-lock mechanism stays locked - it should stay open at rest.

When I opened up the mechanism, there was a loose wire - circular with bent ends. It was obviously out of place. I tried various ways to put it back, but couldn't figure it out. It would make sense that it would somehow keep the ball locking mechanism open, but I see no way it will do this.

Before buying a new mechanism, I thought I'd see if anyone had cracked one of these open to understand its workings. I tried a google search, but couldn't find the identical mechanism.

WallyP

Risky business...

I would have to be VERY certain that what I was doing would work before I trusted my kids' safety to a DIY repair.

SeanR

Agreed, just replace it.

eugkim

Thanks for the responses. I already ordered one, took 2 weeks to get here, wrong part. I ordered based on the parts diagrams, showing the 3 point belt for the 88s. I got a lap belt instead.

I have to call to exchange the part, but maybe I can do something in the meantime.

S4ordie

I wonder if there is someplace you can send entire seatbelt assemblies to have them refurbished. I'd love to have the webbing/straps replaced with a different color and the mechanisms all rebuilt.

karl ruiter

I put regular non retracting belts in mine. I think they do a better job of holding small people.