Interior/Restraints - Front Seat Belt(s) Retract Slowly

SI M72 01 12
Safety Belts and Accessories (Body)

September 2012
Technical Service

SUBJECT
Slow Front Safety Belt Retraction

MODEL
R57

Vehicles produced from December 31, 2010

SITUATION
The left, right or both front safety belts will retract slowly when released.

CAUSE





The clearance between the rear quarter panel trim and the safety belt deflection bracket (D-ring bracket) is too small.

After the safety belt is released, it gets trapped on the corner of the rear quarter trim panel and will retract more slowly than is normal.

CORRECTION





1. Check the operation and confirm slow safety belt retraction. Ensure that the safety belt is not twisted.

2. Measure the gap between the rear quarter trim panel and the belt deflection, as shown. It should be equal to or greater than 5 mm.

3. If the measured gap is less than 5 mm, remove the rear quarter panel as per ISTA Repair Instruction REP 51 43 002.





4. Release the bolt holding the deflection bracket and move the deflection bracket inwards, as shown in the photo.

5. Reinstall the quarter panel trim and re-measure the gap.

6. Perform the same procedure for the safety belt on the other side, as needed.

Note:
Any time a repair is performed in the rear trim panel or rear window area, the gap should be measured and corrected to the correct tolerance (equal to or greater than 5 mm).

PROCEDURE
Covered under the terms of the MINI New Passenger Car Limited Warranty.








WARRANTY INFORMATION