Peculiar sound when passenger door is opened

Backlash2032

Backlash2032

New Member
Sep 20, 2010
1,823
2
0
Nebraska
There is a sort of grinding scraping noise when you open the passenger door. The hinges arent bent, the door is aligned properly. It doesnt hang or anything.

I am fairly certain that this noise is coming from the seat belt reel. Whenever I just open and close the door (without pulling out the seat belt or putting it on) there is no noise. (aside from the normal smack of the door.. :p) But if I do pull out the seatbelt after closing the door.. Then release the seatbelt, then open the door I get a grinding, scraping sound. But only then. Any ideas?
 
jetjock

jetjock

creepy-ass cracka
Jul 11, 2005
9,439
0
0
Redacted per Title 18 USC Section 798
The reel is designed to lock whenever there's a certain amount of forward inertia or if the belt is pulled hard. The lever fully disables this lock when the door is open. It doesn't prevent the belt from being put on with the door closed but many (if not most) people put the belt on with the door open.
 
I

IJ.

Grumpy Old Man
Mar 30, 2005
38,728
0
0
62
I come from a land down under
jetjock;1705598 said:
The reel is designed to lock whenever there's a certain amount of forward inertia or if the belt is pulled hard. The lever fully disables this lock when the door is open. It doesn't prevent the belt from being put on with the door closed but many (if not most) people put the belt on with the door open.
Click to expand...

So if the door opens in an accident the belt unlocks?
(my car didn't have this "feature" so I'm guessing it's a US thing?)
 
D.J.T.

D.J.T.

Member
Aug 25, 2010
877
0
16
Arkansas, United States
IJ.;1706176 said:
So if the door opens in an accident the belt unlocks?
(my car didn't have this "feature" so I'm guessing it's a US thing?)
Click to expand...

It doesn't unlock from the latch. It locks from the the reclining thing. so lets say you close the door & put on your seat belt, if you pull the belt too fast it'll lock & you won't be able to pull it to the length you need it. under heavy deceleration is when i notice it happen. it locks & i can't lean more forward & after it stays locked & its quite annoying.
 
I

IJ.

Grumpy Old Man
Mar 30, 2005
38,728
0
0
62
I come from a land down under
D.J.T.;1706181 said:
It doesn't unlock from the latch. It locks from the the reclining thing. so lets say you close the door & put on your seat belt, if you pull the belt too fast it'll lock & you won't be able to pull it to the length you need it. under heavy deceleration is when i notice it happen. it locks & i can't lean more forward & after it stays locked & its quite annoying.
Click to expand...

So if the DOOR opens during an accident the Belt unlocks from the inertia reel was my question.....
(I know it doesn't unlock from the latch)
 
Poodles

Poodles

I play with fire
Jul 22, 2006
16,757
0
0
43
Fort Worth, TX
Thought it was the exact opposite? When the door opens, it lets the spring pull harder to wind the seatbelt back up easier. It's why if the lever is broken, the seatbelt is uncomfortable as it pulls tighter than usual.
 
jetjock

jetjock

creepy-ass cracka
Jul 11, 2005
9,439
0
0
Redacted per Title 18 USC Section 798
Maybe it's just me but common sense would seem to suggest going in there for a look-see at what the problem is and what might be done to resolve it. You'll have to do that anyway if it needs replacing. Or were you thinking it'll fix itself?
 
I

IJ.

Grumpy Old Man
Mar 30, 2005
38,728
0
0
62
I come from a land down under
Poodles;1708507 said:
Thought it was the exact opposite? When the door opens, it lets the spring pull harder to wind the seatbelt back up easier. It's why if the lever is broken, the seatbelt is uncomfortable as it pulls tighter than usual.
Click to expand...

Dunno P00 that's why I asked as I said earlier my car never came with that installed and none that I've worked on have had it.
 
Backlash2032

Backlash2032

New Member
Sep 20, 2010
1,823
2
0
Nebraska
jetjock;1708669 said:
Maybe it's just me but common sense would seem to suggest going in there for a look-see at what the problem is and what might be done to resolve it. You'll have to do that anyway if it needs replacing. Or were you thinking it'll fix itself?
Click to expand...

Jetjock, i know you're a smart guy, and i respect you. Just wanna get that out of the way. :p

But honestly, ive had it out, and I had absolutely no idea what would even cause that noise. All i could figure out was the little ball bearing that locked it.. Cause thats about all i could see. Im kind of half way scared to take it fully apart because its such a vital safety component..

And ive been running around without that side of the interior for the past couple weeks.. So i could have the belt out in a matter of 5 minutes.
 
Poodles

Poodles

I play with fire
Jul 22, 2006
16,757
0
0
43
Fort Worth, TX
More than likely just 20 year old grease (or rust since that belt is used less). Seat belts can be refurbished as well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom