Citroen XM Forum

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

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

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

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

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.

...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!)

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

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

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.

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