I've been doing some investigation work & came across this; http://mthill.com/copen/view/tape/491/600 Toyota part number: 73205-4801 It's a kit for fixing slow retracting seat belts. Found this instruction for how to fit the kit. http://translate.google.co.uk/trans...rt=10&hl=en&sa=N&biw=1138&bih=765&prmd=ivnsfd So I'm currently trying to get hold of the kit through my importer in Japan to see if it works. I'll keep you posted.
I've got a set coming from Japan, cost me £15 delivered. Fingered crossed it works. It can't be any worse than standard.
I've just fitted these to my car. A bit disappointing, it hasn't solved the issue, but it has given a very marginal improvement. Seem to work better on the passenger side belt though. I'll post some picture later of the fitting. You could try yourself. I think a screen protector for a touch screen devise, with a good adhesive would do the same job.
After driving home tonight, I've changed my mind a bit. The improvement is better than I first thought. It's better than it was but is not perfect. It has made a better difference than buying the new seat belt guides! Pictures up in a bit.
Here's the spare part as arrived from Japan The contents: Instructions in Japanese but with pictures. A piece of Velcro (the rough side). Two sticky backed bits of smooth shiney plastic film. First off you need to get access to the the setbelt top guide. Just pop out the wind deflector, all the plastic panel just pull off. As you can see mine are a little dirty, thanks to a previous owner who smoked! Get the bit of velcro behind the belt & rub back & forth on the guide. Then feed in the sticky plastic & pull off the pull tabs (the red & blue bits). Stick the plastic film down. Then pull down on the belt & pull it back & forth to rub on the plastic film to help stick it down. Then put all the trim back together. Now you have a slightly better seat belt action.
Some years ago, I had a similar problem on another car. What made a big difference was soaking the belt in hot water and normal washing detergent. I think the belt gets soiled after years of use and stiffens up. I'm not sure if it is advisable, but it worked for me. Rex.
Want my seatbelt guides? Just sold my Tiddly Car so am putting my chrome seatbelt guides up for sale on Ebay. Bought them from Kumoi Motors in Japan and they really make the difference. Save yourself a few quid by buying them from the UK! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...e=STRK:MESE:IT Ebay Item number: 380410469577
An update..... Tried washing as above, but didn't make a lot of difference. I'm still convinced the problem is due to the belts getting less pliable as they get older. Rex.
roller type guides Talking to our spray guy earlier today,he had a simular problem with some VW'S that he was rodding and they located a roller type guide that didnt jam or slow up the belts, Hopefully he will get back to me where and from what they came from
I love those google translations, a few gems in that one. "give someone a good workout with your fingers." " Take care not to wrinkle any children" "film is peeled and ears (blue), " - It must be cold.
Seat belt issue & tyres Thanks for the info I will try the clean up with soap and warm water and will report after the week end. The next advise I like to have is about tyre size. I find the 165/50 R15 V is not easily available in SA (I just fitted 4 new as per specs.). I would like to know if we can use 175/50 R15 V or any other, in the front to achieve extra ground clearance. BR/ThomasA
Hi I had difficulty finding many options for new tyres in the UK as well so eventually I stuck with the original size made by Bridgestone that cost me £67.00 each fully inclusive of fitting, balancing and tax. Have a look at this site. http://www.alloywheels.com/Tyre_Calculator Click on the 'Show / Hide specific tyre size to compare against' option. You can put in your current tyre dimensions and compare them with alternative sizes. It will then give you the percentage difference (in your case 1.87%) and the range of tyres available within specific (and selectable) guidelines. This site recommends that the difference is kept to 1% although I am reliably informed that you can go up to 2.5%. I hope this helps KS
