2000 S40 seatbelt broken

Discussion in 'Volvo S40' started by Mr. GoaT, Jul 18, 2008.

  1. Mr. GoaT

    Mr. GoaT Guest

    I have 2000 Volvo S40 that the driver's seat belt no longer retracts
    back into the pillar bewteen the front & back doors - Does any one
    know the cost at the dealer to do this repair and can I do it myself.
    I looked and do not see how to remove molding to get at the unit in
    the pillar.
     
    Mr. GoaT, Jul 18, 2008
    #1
  2. Mr. GoaT

    blurp Guest

    Ah yes. This is where you have to ask yourself why you have a
    seatbelt:

    If the purpose of a seatbelt is to avoid getting a ticket for not
    having a seatbelt, then a used belt is fine. Once a belt has been worn
    in an accident it may look the same but it's not, it has been stressed
    and its strength and characteristics have changed. Still, if you want
    to save some money in the short run (and live in a thrilling and risky
    way) then you might be able to get a belt out of a wreck and have a
    local mechanic put it in for you.

    If the purpose of a seatbelt is to reduce your injuries in a crash
    then the only thing you can safely do is replace the whole thing. You
    cannot do this job yourself (or at least it's not advised) because of
    the pyrotechnic pretensioner (aka a stick of dynamite) in the pillar
    attached to the belt. The dealership (I was told there is no
    aftermarket part for liability reasons) is the only place to get it
    and they don't repair faulty seatbelts. Installed the whole job cost
    me around $620CAD (yes, "UGH!").

    I just had to replace the driver's seatbelt in my 95 850 for just the
    opposite reason...it retracted and wouldn't spool out again... it just
    got shorter and shorter and then was tight. So tight I couldn't
    re-adjust the seat (they're attached).

    I wish there was a better way. The new belt sure is smooth and new.

    Good luck,
    blurp
     
    blurp, Jul 28, 2008
    #2
  3. Mr. GoaT

    Mr. GoaT Guest

    Since its looks like the dealer is going to do the work I called the
    two local volvo dealers - the first one said about $700US and the
    other one actually did a price work up and told me $320 installed -
    amazing that one is twice the price of the other...
     
    Mr. GoaT, Jul 30, 2008
    #3
  4. Mr. GoaT

    blurp Guest

    Typical! If you can get a deal from the dealer then you win... I don't
    know about where you are but around here they're notoriously careless
    and conniving. I only visited them out of necessity.

    Good luck!
    B
     
    blurp, Jul 30, 2008
    #4
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