alexjellie Hi all, I'm wondering if any have had issues with the very sensitive intertia mechanism in the older 240 wagons (1980 back?)? It's not something I've had to consider too much since I don't sit in the back but I've had a few mates in the back on trips and they struggle to pull out the reel because the mechanism is so sensitive, or once they finally get it all the way out it becomes a bit binding since it won't pull out softly to move around. I've since opened it up to have a look and it just seems that the inertia plum-bob mechanism is just a bit retarded, if it's anything but purely upright it trips and locks the belt. Since the reel still has the centrifugal locking mechanism on it that trips when pulled fast do you think this would still be considered safe/useful as a seatbelt? Interested in thoughts on this.
Philia_Bear I can't say I've ever had this issue in owning a large number of 240s They are sensitive to the initial pull, but once you have the belt moving you can pull it out pretty quickly
arebee Usually not a problem to do a minor adjustment on the plum bob mechanism, just a very slight bend to the metal required, reassemble, then check performance, usually works each time, save buying a new mechanism..... Good luck with it.
Vee_Que I've had similar issues with 760 seat belts, not being used hurts them more than full time usage. My solution usually is find one that works well.
arebee I should add that I would only do the 'adjustment' with the 140 and 240 types, don't know what the situation is with 7 series onward, clearly an issue with the ones fitted with pyrotechnic pre-tensioners!
alexjellie My question was more along the lines of, "am I going to kill someone if I crash someone else crashes into me and use only the centrifugal lock mechanism and not the inertia?" I've removed the plum bob and spring to see how it feels, locks up when pulled fast.
alexjellie Philia_Bear;128904 wroteUnless you have a rollover.... Aaaaaand this is why I asked the question. Replacement spring it is... Thanks.
Philia_Bear I've had them fail on me in the past (just lock up and do nothing) I prefer to just replace with sealed units as it removes liability
Spac Semi common problem with 240s. I have had about five of them be a problem (to varying degrees) over the years.
