Seat Belt Systems: Testing and Inspection
FUNCTIONAL TEST PROCEDUREDetermine the type(s) of safety belt assembly(s) that have been replaced. Then functionally test the new safety belt assembly using the appropriate procedure.
Lap Safety Belt Retractor Test-2-Point System
Grasp the new safety belt tongue and pull the webbing out of the retractor until the manufacturer's label is exposed. Return approximately 127 mm (5 inches) of webbing into the retractor and pull. If the retractor locks, the belt assembly is functioning properly. If the retractor does not lock or the webbing cannot be pulled from the retractor far enough to expose the manufacturer's identification label, rework the sheet metal surface in the safety belt retractor attaching area until the retractor will function properly.
NOTE: If the retractor of a new safety belt assembly has been bolted into a damaged or distorted mounting area, the new retractor could be warped and may not function. If this is the case, reshape the sheet metal and install another new complete safety belt assembly.
Continuous Loop Shoulder/Lap Safety Belt Test-System with Movable Tongue and One Retractor
1. Driver will buckle up and proceed to a safe test area. If the RH passenger lap safety belt must be tested, a passenger should be buckled into the RH seat. (The passenger belt may be tested utilizing a driver only, providing the driver has the ability to grasp the RH shoulder safety belt and extend it approximately 660 mm (26 inches) with no compromise to safe driving.) This method applies to the 8 km/h (5 mph) test only.
NOTE: The RH shoulder safety belt is not extended fully to preclude the possibility of a false feeling (full extension vs. lockup).
2. After reaching a safe area to perform sudden stops, the driver will attain a speed of approximately 8 km/h (5 mph). The driver should inform the passenger (if applicable) that he is preparing to make a severe brake application. At this time, both driver and rider should grasp their respective shoulder harness and prepare to lean slightly forward at the moment the brake application is made.
3. The driver will make a maximum brake application (approximately 9.75 m/sec sq (32 ft/sec sq)) without tire skid. (The maximum brake application should be on dry concrete or equivalent hard road surface. Never on a wet or gravel road.) The driver and passenger should lean forward slightly into the shoulder harness. At this instant, the belts should lock up without webbing payout.
WARNING: THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER MUST BE PREPARED TO BRACE THEMSELVES IN THE EVENT THE RETRACTOR DOES NOT LOCK.
4. If there is a lockup of both shoulder straps, the safety belt assemblies are functioning properly. Should either or both retractors fail to lock up at the 8 km/h (5 mph) speed, the test should be repeated at a constant 24 km/h (15 mph). (This test must be performed with a RH passenger if the RH belt is to be tested.)
5. If either or both shoulder belts do not lock up at the 24 km/h (15 mph) test, return the vehicle for service of the malfunctioning safety belts. Remove the retractor and rework the sheet metal in the retractor's mounting surface. Install the retractor assembly and test the safety belt assembly(s).
NOTE: If the retractor of a new safety belt assembly has been bolted into a damaged or distorted mounting area, the new retractor could be warped and may not function. If this is the case, reshape the sheet metal and install another new complete safety belt assembly.