[5yotas]

I'm trying to replace the seat belt retractor on a 1997 Camry. The bolts at the top and on the retractor won't budge. Suggestions on how to remove them or are power tools required?

 

[Chris Crash]

They're just ridiculously tight because they have to hold the crucial safety belts in. I think those bolts should only be used once as wel? I can't recall.

Anyway, they're just really really really tight. You'll get it though!

 

[RU2CHKN]

try a cheater bar at the end of the socket wrench works like a charm

 

[Vooduguru]

In case you don't know what a cheater bar is, it's just a really long bar attached to the ratchet. I have a Hi-Lift Jack handle that I use when I need to break something loose that's really really tight

 

[5yotas]

Thanks for the suggestions - used a Craftsman 1/2" breaker bar and a six point 14mm socket - all 3 bolts easily broke free. Replaced the retractor using Locktite and doing the final tightening with the same breaker bar setup. Yes, really, really, really tight...