1995 Lexus LS400 seatbelt retractor broken

[Brybo86]

made a grinding noise this morning when I pulled it out and then wouldn't retract.
little plastic pin that connects the clock springs to the belt had shattered

do I try to find at a junk yard tomorrow or order a brand new OEM for $200-300?

 

[George7941]

I would personally spring for a junkyard one. An expensive new one would make sense if you planned to keep it for another ten to twenty years but I doubt the car is going to survive that long if winter driven in Chicago.

I just replaced a seat belt stalk on a Freightliner truck. Freightliner only sells the complete seat belt assembly for $323 + 13% tax. I went to the scrapyard and picked up a stalk for $50. Rust will claim the truck in a few years. At work we are economising on this truck nearing the end of its life. It needed two new tires and we usually get Michelins but got cheaper BFGs instead.

 

[LazyDog]

I am not sure about Lexus but check your owners manual. Honda's come with Life Time Warranty on seat belts.

 

[gman2304]

Originally Posted by LazyDog
I am not sure about Lexus but check your owners manual. Honda's come with Life Time Warranty on seat belts.
. ^^ This. I have heard that all manufacturers are required to warranty seat belts for the life of the vehicle. However, it might not include the retracting mechanism, just the belt material. ICBW!

 

[mazdamonky]

I am pretty sure it is actual law in the US that all safety equipment such as seatbelts have a lifetime warranty. I am not sure when this law came into effect, but my 2002 protege and my dads 2008 Mazda 5 were both covered by a lifetime warranty which we were told was law. I know Honda has followed this lifetime warranty further back than that at least as my brother ended up warrantying a new seatbelt for his 88 acura Integra.

 

[mattd]

Air bag parts are not allowed to be sold used from a scrap yard afaik. In the US anyway.

 

[gathermewool]

Aren't these lifetime parts? The belt in my '97 Legacy was frayed and I was able to get the dealer to replace it for free ten years later, no questions asked.

 

[newtoncd8]

At least with older models, Lexus does not offer the same warranty as Honda. The screen capture below is from our RX330 manual.

I checked our 2012 Jeep manual, similar wording, so the lifetime offer is not for all manufacturers.

 

[eljefino]

You may have a hard time finding a junkyard that wants to take on the liability. Maybe find someone on CL or ebay?

 

[Wolf359]

Well you could also send it in and get it repaired. They're $65-$99 depending on the model.

https://www.safetyrestore.com/content/81-seat-belt-repair-services

 

[Brybo86]

Apparently the repairs start at 1996... go figure

None at any local junkyards.

I ordered an OEM

Here is the temp fix...
A belt shorting clip, or a belt webbing clip.

 

[Brybo86]

Got the new seat belt installed today, it's gray but now it matches the exterior