hey i have a 83 maro, and my seat belts don't work. The strap is fine and the latch is fine.. but the part that retracts the belt is broken... it still retracts but it doesn't lock when pulled fast..

so basically if i were to get in an accident i'd go straight into the steering wheel , so i will be replacing this part on both RH LH sides for obvious reasons.. anyone know how much trouble i'm getting into? is this a big job?

anyone know where i can buy the part? i only need that mechanical part the strap is fine.

i'm pretty sure i have to take out the headliner and crap like that

any help would be appreciated, thanks

 

Im not completly 100% sure, but they arent supposed to lock when pulled fast. They lock under acceleration in any direction...such as quick forward movement, or even quick sideways movement. There is a weight that hangs inside the unit and if it swings away from its centered position, it locks the mechanism until the belt tension is released some. If you still want to replace them, you will have to take down your headliner...not a big big deal, but be very careful not to wrinkle or crease it. After that the Seat belt units are in plain sight. You will need a large TORX bit, not sure what size...or if thats what you need. Its what I needed. They will be in there pretty tight too. Thats it. Well...other than unbolting the bottom parts of the belt too.... Not too hard. Good luck!

Justin

 

It's just the rear lap belts that lock up when pulled out fast.
You can check your fronts on a deserted stretch of roadway by applying the brakes fairly hard (no need to lock 'em up, tho) and leaning forward into the belt to see if it fetches up...if it does, there's no problem with them.
It's a Torx T-50 if they do need to be changed out....

Pete

 

you can get new ones at GMpartsdirect.com, but they only have grey ones remaining.

 

Go to a local wreckers and get some. Not a very hard job either just need the right socket. If I remember right it is a T45 or T47.