how do you fix sticking seatbelts?

[jeepjunky]

My front passenger seatbelt has always been a little hard to unlatch, But now its also my back seat belts. Any idea on how to "loosen" them up? they clasp and retract great...but my kids (who used to be able to unlatch them) can not unlatch them to get out. Compressed air? wd40? BFH?
Thanks,
99TJ

[LEVE]

I get new ones.... or a set of unused ones out of the boneyard. Seatbelts aren't anything to monkey with... they're safety items.

[jeeperjohn]

LEVE nailed it. Get new ones. If they are sticking, how can you be sure they have properly latched and will remain latched? New belts are a small price to pay for your and your family's safety. Trust me it sucks when the belt does not remain latched.

http://forums.off-road.com/jeep-shor...ts-please.html (Double check those seat belts. Please!) (Double check those seat belts. Please!)

[Jim_Lou]

Get a spray can of Lock-Eze from the hardware store. It's powdered graphite in a liquid carrier that evaporates in a couple minutes. Spray it around in the latch mechanism. If it then latches and releases smoothly, it's good. If not, replace the belts. And of cource, if the belts are frayed or otherwise worn anywhere, replace them.

[mbalbritton]

Did you install them, or are they Factory installed.

If you installed them, make sure they are sitting at the correct anlge. If they aren't then the pendulum or weight (whichever style you have) could be catching early.

[RRich]

Like Jim said - the latches get dirty inside.

But - graphite will stain your clothes.

Get a "dry lube" - spray it liberally to wash the dirt out and lube at the same time.
PB Blaster makes a great stainless dry lube, but most any will do it.

The retractors also get dirty and tend to stick. Clean them, - alcohol works great - but don't lube them with anything. They are supposed to be a friction device - lubrication kills the friction.

[jeepjunky]

Thanks for the reply's the belts are the factory belts and the retractors work fine. its just difficult for the kids to use the push button release. I also agree that if the belt is bad or warn then replace it. I think that the issue is a dirty lach release. Ill give the above mentioned cleaners a try. Then look at replaceing them if that dosnt work.

[LEVE]

When you atttempt to clean the latch release assembly, beware. Some sprays can eat the plastic, or gum up the works more. Test a little of the cleaner that you want to use on the button. If there's no harm... then continue. FYI, I do not recommend cleaning these assemblies.

[jeepjunky]

I used lock-eze and it worked awsome!
Thanks

[Jim_Lou]

Welcome. That Lock-Eze is good stuff. Works on locks, too.