Lotus Europa Community
Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: Europa73 on Friday,December 30, 2016, 08:51:27 AM
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Hi all.
My TCS has the retractable seat belt - but over time I guess the tensioner spring has become tired.
Has anyone taken one apart and tightened up the spring?
Cheers,
Rod
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Yes but it isn't a easy or fun job. Usually the spring is ok it's just that the upward facing opening allows debris to make it's way in and gums up the works. If you do find something broken, please be careful how you repair it. Inertia reel mechanisms need to work in difficult situations. There's no do-over if they fail to lock correctly. If in doubt, replace them. Units similar to the OE TC/S ones are available.
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cheers!
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I've not taken the Lotus ones apart because mine didn't come with them, but I have taken an aftermarket unit apart. The ones I have aren't that complex but they are usually designed to work in a specific orientation so care is needed to make sure they still do. Before pulling it apart I'd check the condition of the belt itself for fraying, edges etc.
Although I'm very much a "fix it" guy I'm with John on this, the mechanism has got to work when you need it so if you are even slightly unsure or put off by notices of "do not dissemble" then buy new ones. There are loads out there for not very much money, just check the orientation of movement for your application. I bought new and swapped over the fastening mechanism and inboard anchor points for the Lotus ones so at a glance it looks original, but with nice new belting.
Brian
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Thanks,
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I sent mine to www.seatbeltplanet.com and had the webbing replaced and the mechanism cleaned and lubricated. They were not able to refurbish any factory finishes but I am happy with the webbing.
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Another seatbelt shop is http://www.ssnake-oyl.com. They did a great job for me.
Like seatbelt planet, they would not rebuild my retractors because they are way out of the mainstream. I also got a set of belts from Richard that I could not figure how to install in a Europa. Thankfully, Snake Oyl was abe to reweb them in a color that matched my carpet and the retractors didn't need work.
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Thanks,