R53 Front seat belt replacement

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CINIMIN (2006 Cooper S) has a right side front seatbelt that has self destructed - needs to be replaced.  Has anyone had this problem?  Replacement belt is available for about $160 - how big a job is it to replace the belt and are any special tools required?
Thanks in advance for any info.

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CINIMIN Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MINI Motorer Joined: August/27/05 Location: Everett WA Status: Offline Points: 4676	Post Options Post Reply Quote CINIMIN Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: R53 Front seat belt replacement Posted: July/25/14 at 9:34pm
	CINIMIN (2006 Cooper S) has a right side front seatbelt that has self destructed - needs to be replaced. Has anyone had this problem? Replacement belt is available for about $160 - how big a job is it to replace the belt and are any special tools required? Thanks in advance for any info.
	Jack - <font color=RED>CINIMIN [/COLOR] 2006 CR/W MCS - 6spd - LSD -15% Pulley - Dinan CAI ASA JH6's Koni FSD's 22mm Bar Have you hugged a curve today?

CORNERS Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List PSMINI Expert Advisor PSMINI Member Joined: July/29/10 Location: Bothell, WA Status: Offline Points: 3733	Post Options Post Reply Quote CORNERS Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July/29/14 at 8:29pm
	The only special tools (if you would call it that) are a Torx socket (I think it's a T-45 or a T-50) and a body panel clip remover tool, both available at any auto parts shop. The bottom belt bolt is visible next to the B-pillar. To access the upper (shoulder) harness bolt and the retractor assembly, you need to pull back the rear quarter panel liner (no need to remove all the way, it should flex enough). After doing so, you will see the screw (or screws, I forget) holding in the the upper light grey panel, which will give you access to the upper (shoulder) harness bolt. The retractor assembly should be visible at the bottom of the B-pillar behind that rear quarter panel liner.
	Kurt/04 R53 Check out My MOD MINI repair videos channel @ YouTube

CINIMIN Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MINI Motorer Joined: August/27/05 Location: Everett WA Status: Offline Points: 4676	Post Options Post Reply Quote CINIMIN Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July/30/14 at 7:34am
	Thanks for the info Kurt - I may give this a try. Was a little concerned about getting involved with airbag stuff and having to completely remove the rear quarter panel. Belt is damaged so I need to do a complete replacement.
	Jack - <font color=RED>CINIMIN [/COLOR] 2006 CR/W MCS - 6spd - LSD -15% Pulley - Dinan CAI ASA JH6's Koni FSD's 22mm Bar Have you hugged a curve today?

Rob N Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List PSMINI Expert Advisor PSMINI Member Joined: August/13/04 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2020	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rob N Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July/30/14 at 8:24am
	Driving a little fast too again and causing Linda to chew on the belt?
	Rob, Vickie and Alice COOPR-S The question is, "When you turn on your car does it return the favor?"

CINIMIN Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MINI Motorer Joined: August/27/05 Location: Everett WA Status: Offline Points: 4676	Post Options Post Reply Quote CINIMIN Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July/30/14 at 8:44am
	These days I seem to be driving too slow for Linda's approval...
	Jack - <font color=RED>CINIMIN [/COLOR] 2006 CR/W MCS - 6spd - LSD -15% Pulley - Dinan CAI ASA JH6's Koni FSD's 22mm Bar Have you hugged a curve today?

valvashon Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List PSMINI Admin Joined: June/15/07 Location: West Seattle Status: Offline Points: 1170	Post Options Post Reply Quote valvashon Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July/30/14 at 9:54pm
	Jack- I believe "best practices" as outlined by the Bentley manual involves replacing any hardware that holds the seats or seat belts in place after they are removed. In other words, use new hardware (probably from the MINI parts counter to insure you are getting the correct bolt hardness) when you re-assemble the seat belt. Bruce
	...Now mom may drive to the grocery store, But that's not what this car is really for...

CINIMIN Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MINI Motorer Joined: August/27/05 Location: Everett WA Status: Offline Points: 4676	Post Options Post Reply Quote CINIMIN Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July/31/14 at 9:05am
	Good point Bruce - I ordered the replacement belt assembly - I'll wait to see what hardware comes with it. I know it includes the whole assembly for the belt mechanism but not sure what else might be included.
	Jack - <font color=RED>CINIMIN [/COLOR] 2006 CR/W MCS - 6spd - LSD -15% Pulley - Dinan CAI ASA JH6's Koni FSD's 22mm Bar Have you hugged a curve today?

CINIMIN Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MINI Motorer Joined: August/27/05 Location: Everett WA Status: Offline Points: 4676	Post Options Post Reply Quote CINIMIN Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: August/08/14 at 8:07pm
	Thursday - August 8 The new belt assembly arrived today. I had previously removed the old frayed belt assembly (#50 Star bit required) without completely removing the inner quarter panel but I di have to pop out the bottom rear seat cushion. Instillation was easy - once I figured out how to get the automatic retract mechanism to release so I could get some slack belt to work with. It did take a bit of effort to get the inner trim pieces back in place. Nothing on my 2006 hatch looked anything like the pictures and drawings in Bently, by the way. Thanks to those who provided tips!
	Jack - <font color=RED>CINIMIN [/COLOR] 2006 CR/W MCS - 6spd - LSD -15% Pulley - Dinan CAI ASA JH6's Koni FSD's 22mm Bar Have you hugged a curve today?