Seat Belt - (Rear) Partially Retracting: Overview

91mercedes02

TO: OUR MERCEDES-BENZ PASSENGER CAR DEALERS

DATE: March 1991


REF. NO. 91/46


SUBJECT: MODEL 124 SEDAN/COUPE AS OF 9/90 REAR SEAT BELT MODIFIED

Figure 1:

Beginning with September 1990, modified rear seat belts were phased into production. With the belt webbing completely retracted, the latch plate of the seat belt is now located just above the seat cushion (arrow, Figure 1), preventing the latch plate from getting into the wheel housing. Also, the seat belt retracts easier.

In the case of customer complaints about rear seat belts not retracting completely in earlier production vehicles, follow the procedure below.

Figure 2:

Procedure:

Test seat belt for proper retraction with rear pillar trim panel in place. Pull latch plate down to seat cushion (arrow, Figure 2) and release. The seat belt must completely retract on its own. If it does not do so, follow the instructions below.

1. Remove rear pillar trim panel (see Service Microfiche, Body Assembly Jobs 1, Model 124, job 68- 449).

Figure 3:

2. Measure gap between sheet metal and seat belt guide (minimum distance 1.7 mm). Widen gap with plastic wedge, if necessary (arrow, Figure 3).

3. Check swivel guide for easy movement. Follow instructions in steps 4 and 5 if it does not move freely.

Figure 4:

4. Unscrew swivel guide. Remove toothed washer from bolt and reverse spacer (arrow) beneath. Reinstall toothed washer and mount swivel guide by torqueing the bolt to 35 +/- 10 Nm (Figure 4).

5. Check swivel guide for easy movement.

Figure 5:

6. Cut away sound dampening material (shaded area) and reinforcing ribs (arrow) from rear pillar trim panel (Figure 5).

7. Reinstall rear pillar trim panel.

Figure 6:

8. Measure 270 mm (10 5/8 in.) distance (A) from present plastic rivet downward and mark point with chalk (Figure 6).

Figure 7:

9. Insert new plastic rivet by its sharp point from front through webbing at point marked. Place lower part of rivet from behind and press halves together using flat pliers. The tip of the rivet must not protrude from lower part of rivet (Figure 7).

10. Using a plastic wedge, press old rivet out of webbing.

11. With seat belt completely retracted, the latch plate should be located just above seat cushion (arrow, Figure 1).

NOTE: Relocating the latch plates should be done on both rear seat belts.

12. Check for proper seat belt operation.