Seat Belt Systems: Service and Repair
SEAT BELT SYSTEM PROCEDURESSeat Belt With Anchor Plate Thread Damage
1. Remove the broken or stripped bolt and discard.
2. Drill out the internal threads in the seat belt anchor plate with a 27/64-inch drill.
3. Rethread the anchor plate with a 1/2-13 tap (seat belt).
4. Install the attachment parts Original parts are to be replaced with repair parts Unless otherwise specified, use original parts.
Seat Belt Without Anchor Plate Thread Damage Replacement of the Weld Nut and/or Reinforcement
NOTE: If the seat belt anchor nuts or reinforcements are stripped or missing, they should be replaced with a new nut/reinforcement plate.
1. Expose the suspect anchor point
2. Drill out two 8 mm (5/16 in) diameter access holes adjacent to the weld nut clearance hole.
3. Thread a length of copper welding wire through the clearance hole and position to secure the weld nut and washer.
4. Use a MIG wire feed welder and plug weld a 7/16 inch (11 mm) weld nut and standard washer in place at the two 8 mm (5/16 in) holes.
5. Metal finish as required.
6. Install the restraint system.
7. Perform seat belt inspection.
Shoulder Height Adjuster with Stripped Weld Nuts
1. Remove the B-pillar trim panel (2-door only). See DOOR TRIM PANEL REAR REMOVAL / INSTALLATION.
2. Remove the rear door trim panel (4-door only).
3. Drill out damaged threads in the upper pillar structure using a 1/2 inch drill
NOTE: After each rotation, back off tap slightly to remove new cuttings and be sure to blowout any chips before proceeding.
4. Apply a suitable lubricant to the tap and tap new threads.
5. Use a threaded insert and screw it into the retapped hole until it is slightly below the surface.
NOTE: If the two bolts on the height adjuster a re not stripped, reuse height adjuster. If the bolts are stripped, replace the height adjuster.
6. Use a hammer and lightly tap several times to seat the insert keys.
7. Install the B-pillar trim panel (2-door only). See B-PILLAR TRIM (REGULAR CAB) REMOVAL /INSTALLATION.
8. Install rear door trim panel (4-door only).
9. Check height adjuster for proper operation.
Seat Belt Procedure After a Collision
WARNING: All seat belt assemblies including retractors, buckles, front seat belt buckle support assemblies (slide bar), shoulder height adjusters, if so equipped, child safety seat tether attachments, and attaching hardware - should be inspected after any collision. All seat belt assemblies should be replaced unless a qualified technician finds the assemblies show no damage and operate properly. Seat belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.
NOTE: Seat belt assemblies should be periodically inspected to make sure they have not become damaged and that they remain in proper operating condition, particularly if they have been subjected to severe stress.
1. Before installing the new seat belt assembly, the seat belt attaching areas must be inspected for damage and distortion. If the attaching points are damaged and distorted, the sheet metal must be re-worked back to its original shape and structural integrity.
2. Install the new seat belt(s), see FRONT SEAT RETRACTOR (2-DOOR) REMOVAL / INSTALLATION or see SEAT RETRACTOR FRONT (4-DOOR) REMOVAL / INSTALLATION or see SEAT RETRACTOR REAR (2-DOOR) REMOVAL / INSTALLATION or see SEAT RETRACTOR REAR (4-DOOR) REMOVAL/INSTALLATION.
3. Perform seat belt inspection.