Introduction
This guide details how to repair a seat belt retractor on a 2003 Toyota Prado 120 where the spring tension has been lost, and the spring has detached from the spindle. This procedure involves disassembling the retractor mechanism to re-attach the spring. Caution: This guide is specifically for the described model and year. Later models may contain pre-tensioners (explosives) and should be treated with extreme care or referred to a professional.
Problem
The seat belt retractor is not retracting the seat belt effectively. Upon inspection, the spring within the retractor mechanism has detached from the spindle, causing a complete loss of tension.
Solution
- Access the Spring Housing: Locate the plastic shroud covering the spring mechanism on the seat belt retractor.
- Remove the Shroud: The shroud is secured by three plastic legs, each with a small plastic “post” that locks it in place. Push the posts out from the inside of the legs (away from the shroud) using a suitable tool. Be careful not to damage the plastic or lose the posts. Squeeze the plastic legs together if needed to fully release the shroud.
- Detach the White Cover: Once the shroud is removed, you’ll see a brown spring housing covered by a white plastic cover. This cover is held in place by two tabs on either side. Gently pull the white plastic away from the tab and push it up to release it. Remove the cover.
- Re-attach the Spring: Inside the spring housing, you will find the end of the spring, which is likely detached from a black plastic piece (the “thingy”) that connects to the spindle shaft. Re-insert the bent part of the spring end into the slot in this black plastic piece.
- Reassemble the Spring Housing: Snap the white plastic cover back onto the spring housing, ensuring the two tabs lock it in place.
- Reinstall the Spring Housing: Position the spring housing back in its original location, ensuring the black plastic piece aligns with and slides back onto the spindle shaft.
- Secure the Shroud: Push each of the three supporting legs of the shroud back into their respective holes. Then, push the three plastic posts back in from the outside to secure the shroud.
- Wind the Spring: Wind the spindle to re-tension the spring. The mechanism may start clicking during winding, but this can be ignored. Caution: Avoid letting go of the spindle during winding, as the spring can unwind again.
Relevant Parts
- Plastic shroud posts (3)
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