Mk 1.5 1993 driver's seat belt pre-tensioner

[XM-hooked]

Hi all,
Sorry to be back here again but I'm working my way through a list of jobs to be done.
A couple of years ago I got my local trimmer to re-sew the stitching on the driver's seat wing, when I got it back the belt socket was much lower down the seat. I assumed that he'd merely reattached to the wrong mounting hole so I put up with it. Only today I found that he had fired the mechanical torsion bar pre-tensioner. Looking at the design it could be reset but it looks rather hazardous and I have a strong sense of self preservation!
I wondered if anybody has a seat with this type of pre-tensioner, the unit is only held on with 2 bolts so it comes off easily.
Thanks,
Chris

[Dieselman]

I would reset the one you have as opposed to deal with one in the tensioned position.

[xmexclusive]

The not to reset after impact use instructions.
Note the quarter turn locking capability before removal or exchange.

pretenmk1001.jpg

John

[XM-hooked]

Thanks John,
The diagram will be of great help.
The warning about not re-setting is quite right as it would take considerable force to re-tension the torsion spring and present an actual physical risk. However in our spares position we sometimes have to make do and mend and so if I can't get another I will have to attempt a re-set. There is nothing sacrificial about the mech, just the sheer amount of force required to re-tension it.
If someone has one on an old seat I'm sure a locking pin could be fabricated as per the diagram and fitted before disturbing it, also this would make it safe to transport.
All suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
Chris

[XM-hooked]

The irony of it is that the the stitching on the seat had not burst but had just gone a bit fluffy and had worn a bit thin, I only took it for repair on a preventative basis.

[XM-hooked]

...and if I'd known about the locking pin I'd have saved myself from this problem (the trimmer probably got a bit of a surprise also!)

[XM-hooked]

Just read about the locking pin, the quarter turn simply locks the locking pin into the assembly to prevent accidental removal.

[xmexclusive]

I have to admit that there is a removed set one with no locking pin installed in the pile of bits overdue to go to MTXM.
At least it was still set last time I shifted it.
When I get the chance I will look to see if I can see what is needed to pin it up.

John

[MTXM]

I did attempt to reset one of these myself, which would have been possible except the tip of the securing ratchet arm was sheared off! I seem to recall I set up a rig with my engine hoist and some cables! That is kind of you to suggest passing on some parts John and I have seen at least two cars with locking pins still in place including one at a breakers! Regards, Matthew T.

[XM-hooked]

Thanks for the 'info John & Matthew. any leads on one of these would be greatly appreciated.
The mech can be locked with a 5 x 75mm wood screw (3" x 10 in old money) screwed in till it just pops out of the other end, this leaves about 12mm still protruding. It's a nice not too tight fit but can't be pulled out accidentally and locks the mech soild.
I'm a bit embarrassed by the number of requests that I have placed over the last couple of weeks but now I'm retired I have had the time to work on the car. In the summer I did the bigger jobs and then made a list of smaller ones for the Winter, one of which was this one which I thought was going to be much simpler than it turned out to be.
Thanks to all,
Chris