Driver Restraint System - Replace/fix?
 

Tried searching the forum, not sure if I used the right terms or not but found nothing specific to my needs. As the original owner of an '04 RX8 purchased back in Oct '03, I've found the driver seat belt to be lacking in its ability to reel back in these days and its a bit of an annoyance. So I either need to replace the retractor or fix it so it works like new.

If anyone has any links, DIY, or other ideas I'd greatly appreciate it.

Mine too doesn't reel back like when new. So far I've put up with it.

If its a safety device, its better to replace than fix. But, if it could be fix like new, then it should be just fine.

i was hoping someone would have a link or a DIY site or something, I'd rather not pay top dollar if i don't have to.

I keep cars a long time, and I've had that eventually happen on all of them. I think this is the first post I've seen here with that problem. I'd expect to see more as 8s reach that age.

Googling didn't turn up anything really useful, other than the idea that safety equipment like seat belts and air bags may have a longer warranty than the rest of the car.

Ken

Not something that I would try and fix....and I'm a DIY kind of guy ;)

There is an explosive charge in there that is part of the active restraint system...not something to play with

He's talking about the seat belt... I'm pretty certain nothing explodes in there. ;)

Offering advice on a seat belt is a tricky proposition... I've taken apart and cleaned plenty that have the same issue as you describe. But since a faulty or incomplete repair can result in a life or death issue, I can't recommend that someone with limited mechanical experience try it.

Actually, it does. Google pre-tensionner.

well i was just hoping someone had a simple DIY for helping this thing retract with a little more umph, so it's not getting caught in the door when i close it and not paying attention to where the seat belt is.

There are kits out there to replace both front seat belts for about $100 or so, but it gives you everything...

maybe they just get gunked up after years and need to be cleaned / serviced

They come with big warning labels on them about not taking them apart......

They are in the $150 to $200 range I think....not really that bad if they last 10 years or so.