Can w116 seatbelt retractors be serviced or rebuilt?

[raueda1]

Several of mine are so sensitive that it's virtually impossible to get them out. Then, if you do finally manage, they ratchet tighter and tighter until they're unwearable. IF they aren't riveted together or otherwise inherently unrebuildable I'd take a crack at trying to rebuild them. Has anybody tried to do this?  Car in question is 1976 6.9.  Thanks!

[Diesel 617]

EXPLOSIVES. From what I have gathered there are explosive packed into the retractors, proceed with caution. Hopefully others will add. I've looked at them, but knowing that I might lose a finger was enough for me to work on another project unless more information is available, specifically how to disassemble. They need a good cleaning and lube.

[s class]

The explosive retractors only made an appearance on the 126 series cars.  The 116 units are conventional centrifugal units.

[TJ 450]

Correct, they don't have the pyrotechnic tensioners.

Technically you're supposed to throw them out and buy new ones of faulty,but they can be disassembled and lubricated. Also ensure they are mounted at the correct angle if they lock up when extending.

Tim

[raueda1]

Correct, they don't have the pyrotechnic tensioners.

Technically you're supposed to throw them out and buy new ones of faulty,but they can be disassembled and lubricated. Also ensure they are mounted at the correct angle if they lock up when extending.

Tim

Exactly what I hoped.  I'll give it a shot.  And thanks for the mounting tip.  Cheers,

-Dave

[gf]

Explosives are in seatbelt pretensioners I think all 70s era cars predate this technology.

[gf]

Pretty sure it was the airbag fitted Nerva and volvos that were the first with these

[gf]

Predictive text fail- Nerva= Merc

[beagle2022]

I've recently gone through seatbelt adventures on both my 116 and w140.  The 116 is basic centrifugal.  Clear out the years of fluff and dirt and a light lube and they work fine.  Another good idea is to soak the belt in hot soapy water for a few hours to release four decades of dirt and body oils.  Then they retract like new.  The w140 has the fireworks and needs to be handled with much more respect.

[Diesel 617]

Thank you! glad to hear there are no explosives (only slightly disappointing)

[mrkozzy]

I'll back up beagle2022 method.

Last year I took out the front  belts and stretched them out on my driveway. (placed a Brick either end).

Run up and down lightly with the pressure washer over the components and the webbing. Allowed them to dry overnight in the same open position.

Been running perfect ever since.   

[Max-NL]

Someone got any tips/pics of disassembling the front and rear seatbelts or are they easy to disassemble?

[Mattr]

My car has 300E seat Belts, and I quite like them. It's a little unconventional, and might not work for your car, but they've been fantastic for me, and look appropriately vintage (in my opinion).

The logic behind why the previous owner changed them is here, in case you're curious:
http://frankenbenz.com/project11.htm