How to fix/replace seatbelt reel?

[Retrospekt]

My drivers side seatbelt reel won't pull the belt in at all. Even if I help it with my hand, it barely goes in. I have the feeling it just crumples up under the plastic when I push it in.

How do I fix this? Is it just a loose spring or do I have to purchase something?

[uuuuu]

I don't think you can "fix" anything in the reel. I tried once, and couldn't get anywhere because it is sealed. But also, I think that it is more of a safety issue; there is no way to tamper with someone's seatbelt mechanism without removing it completely (and then it is quite noticeable).

[xtremeskier97]

There was a cleaning DIY somewhere if im not mistaken. Have you tried searching?

[eyeball96]

You may be able to find a replacement at a Pic & Pull! I'm sure I could. Lots of Camrys with Tan interiors.

[JohnGD]

I don't know if your seat belt assembly is a "pre-tensioned" one with an pyrotechnic charge in it. If so don't try to disassemble it.

Originally Posted by Retrospekt

My drivers side seatbelt reel won't pull the belt in at all. Even if I help it with my hand, it barely goes in. I have the feeling it just crumples up under the plastic when I push it in.

How do I fix this? Is it just a loose spring or do I have to purchase something?

[Retrospekt]

Well it's driving me nuts, and it is a slight safety issue. The belt hangs off my chest instead of sitting tight.

[eric.b]

"and it is a slight safety issue. "

Ummm...that is a serious safety issue.

[Retrospekt]

Any other suggestions?

[Retrospekt]

Anyone? Does a 96 Camry have a pyro-technic charge in it? If not I'm going to unscrew it just so I can get a visual of how everything is fastened in so I know what to look for at the junkyard.

[JohnGD]

Call up the dealer with your VIN to be sure.

Originally Posted by Retrospekt

Anyone? Does a 96 Camry have a pyro-technic charge in it? If not I'm going to unscrew it just so I can get a visual of how everything is fastened in so I know what to look for at the junkyard.

[Jimnist]

If it's anything like the seatbelts in my Gen 2, i'm guessing the 'roll-up' has popped off the reel. I accidentally did that to my rear passenger seatbelt reel and now it's doesn't retract. It's like a bit of plastic with a metal coil that is loaded. You're going to have to replace. I think removing is pretty simple, just remove the pillar trim and then explore.

[ghettosled]

i just found out as my 1996 camry rear seatbelt just started doing the same thing - there isnt any pyro-technic charge. its a coiled up spring that applies the tension. i took mine apart in hopes of fixing it. i was able to re-attach the popped spring, but after i reassembled and used it a couple of times, it popped again. i will try to re-attach the spring to the plastic part that coils it and use something else to keep it in place.

if this doesnt work, its onto replacing the reel and belt.

[Yanpapa]

I have'nt try fixing my seatbelt yet but here are the links:
seatbelt retractors on Gen4

and

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/minutemods/seatbelt/

[JohnGD]

On the parts catalog the front looks like the rear. a small spring loaded deal. But the picture is hard to tell.
Does the factory manual say anything??

[just_toyota]

My car did the same thing last year. I looked around to see if I could "fix" it to no avail. Spent, if I remember correctly, close to $200 for a new one at the stealership.