Sluggish seat belt.

2001 SUBARU OUTBACK
134,000 MILES • AWD • AUTOMATIC
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DARIUSBD
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My driver's side seat belt does not retract without my coaxing it to. Is there a simple was to "energize" the retraction - maybe some WD-40 kind of spray??
Thanks.
Mar 14, 2011 at 4:00 AM
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CARADIODOC
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 34,321 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Not WD-40. Silicone Spray Lube works well. It goes on like water then evaporates quickly leaving some "slippery" behind with no residue like WD-40. I use it on mine about once a year.
Mar 14, 2011 at 4:31 AM
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DARIUSBD
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Thanks CaradioDoc. I have a follow-up question:
Since the "retractor" mechanism is hidden behind the panels in the body of the car, is the "Silicone Spray Lube" something I can spray on the extended belt and release it back into its retractor for it to take effect?
Mar 15, 2011 at 1:45 AM
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CARADIODOC
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 34,321 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Sorry for not giving a decent explanation. Spray it on the 2 or 3 feet of the belt where it goes through the hook above your shoulder. The retractor isn't the problem unless something like a pencil or a coin fell into it. When the liquid silicone evaporates, it will leave the belt fabric slippery so it will slide through the hook easier. I use Chrysler's Silicone Spray Lube but you can find it at auto parts stores too. (Not silicone gasket sealer; you want a spray in a can). It also works well for sluggish power windows. Drench the rubber channels on the sides of the glass. It also works REAL well for sliding rubber parts onto metal parts such as heater hoses.
Mar 15, 2011 at 1:59 AM
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DARIUSBD
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Thanks CaradioDoc for the thorough and complete answer. I had been under the impression that the retractor had gotten old! I'll get the spray and give it a whirl.
Thanks again :)
Mar 15, 2011 at 3:17 AM
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