Seat Belts, Inspecting

Seat Belts, Inspecting

CAUTION!
After every accident the seat belt system must be inspected systematically! If damage is determined when inspecting the check points, customer must be informed regarding necessity of changing belts.

Inspection Points

• Belt Webbing, Checking

• Retractor, Checking Locking Function

• Belt Latch, Visual Inspection

• Belt Latch, Checking Function

• Belt Guide Rings and Locking Tongue, Checking

• Securing Components and Anchorage Points, Checking

Belt Webbing, Checking

- Pull belt webbing completely off automatic belt retractor.

- Check belt webbing for soiling, wash with mild soap solution if necessary, refer to --> operating instructions.

• If one of the types of damage (point 1 or 2) shown in the following is detected on a vehicle which has been in an accident - seat belt must be replaced completely with seat belt latch and belt height adjuster.

• If one kind of damage under points 1, 2, 3 or 4 is detected on a vehicle which has not been in an accident, only the damaged seat belt needs to be replaced.

1. Belt webbing cut, torn or chafed.





2. Webbing loops on belt edge torn.





3. Burn marks from cigarettes or similar.





4. One side of belt edge deformed or area of belt edge is wavy.





Retractor, Checking Locking Function

The belt retractor has two locking functions.

The first locking function is initiated by the belt being jerked out of the retractor (belt extraction acceleration).

Checking

- Pull belt webbing out of retractor with a firm jerk.

• No locking effect - replace seat belt complete with belt buckle.

• If difficulties are experienced when pulling out or retracting belt, first check whether position of retractor has been altered.

The second locking function is initiated by change in vehicle velocity (vehicle-dependent locking function). For this, the vehicle must be moved on a level surface.

Checking

- Fasten seat belt.

- Accelerate vehicle to 20 km/h and then perform a full braking maneuver with foot brake.

• Replace seat belt complete with seat belt latch if seat belt is not locked by locking mechanism during braking procedure.

CAUTION!
For safety reasons, road test should be carried out on traffic-free stretch to ensure that other motorists/pedestrians etc. are not endangered.

Belt Latch, Visual Inspection

- Inspect belt buckle for cracks and fracturing.

• If damaged, replace seat belt complete with belt buckle.

Belt Latch, Checking Function

Checking seat belt latch:

- Insert belt tongue into belt buckle until it clicks into place. Check whether locking mechanism is properly engaged by giving belt webbing a firm jerk.

• Replace the seat belt complete with seat belt latch if belt tongue fails even only once to engage properly in seat belt latch during at least 5 tests.

Check release mechanism

- Press the seat belt latch to release the seat belt.

- With the seat belt relaxed, the lock tongue must spring out of seat belt latch without assistance.

• Perform test at least 5 times. Replace the seat belt completely together with the seat belt latch if the lock tongue fails to spring out even once.

CAUTION!
Under no circumstances may grease be used to eliminate noise or stiffness at belt buckle buttons.

Belt Guide Rings and Locking Tongue, Checking

Plastic coated guide stops face load (seat belt on during accident) of the belt system parallel to the small grooves (chafing created by significant usage, in contrast, is recognizable in relation to the smooth, stripe-free abrasion).

- Check plastic for deformation, rupture and tearing.

• For groove build-up and/or damage, replace seat belt completely with lock.

Securing Components and Anchorage Points, Checking

The following visual inspections and function tests must be performed:

• Latch bracket deformed (stretched)

• Height adjuster not functional

• Anchorage points (seat, pillar, vehicle floor) distorted or thread damaged

If damage is found at components, replace the seat belt completely with lock.

If damage is detected on anchoring points, they must be replaced.

• In damage is discovered that is not accident-related, e.g. wear, replace the particular part which is damaged.