Am I going loopy? Are the seatbelts twisted?

[LexFire]

Having trouble with the seatbelt as it takes forever to recoil.
For sure the belts may need a clean to get rid of the greasy build up of the previous owners chins but does this look right?

 

[audifan]

That is correct. When wearing the belt it lies flat over your body.

Yes clean with bowl of oxy clean after pegging the belt fully extended. You may have to change the water a couple of times to get all the muck out. Pull the trim just below where the belt disappears into the door pillar and behind it you will find a metal bar the belt rides behind. Remove this and clean it also. Let the belt(s) fully dry before removing the peg and retracting the belt. Exercise the belt a few times while holding onto the belt before just letting it go.

 

[LexFire]

That is correct. When wearing the belt it lies flat over your body.

Yes clean with bowl of oxy clean after pegging the belt fully extended. You may have to change the water a couple of times to get all the muck out. Pull the trim just below where the belt disappears into the door pillar and behind it you will find a metal bar the belt rides behind. Remove this and clean it also. Let the belt(s) fully dry before removing the peg and retracting the belt. Exercise the belt a few times while holding onto the belt before just letting it go.

Appreciate the reply and top tips!
It had me confuzzled as I am sure my other car doesn't have the twist!
It's not like I haven't worn a belt before, but when you get something new, you want everything perfect!
When I pick up some oxy, I'll let you know if it resolved the recoil issue (which I'm sure it will).

 

[Robin_Cox]

Appreciate the reply and top tips!
It had me confuzzled as I am sure my other car doesn't have the twist!
It's not like I haven't worn a belt before, but when you get something new, you want everything perfect!
When I pick up some oxy, I'll let you know if it resolved the recoil issue (which I'm sure it will).

I have a couple of cars with both front belts and one with one belt that are all slow to retract. The intention in the next 2-3 weeks is to undertake the procedure described by Graham (@audifan ) above - on a hot day, extend the reel out completely and put a clothes peg on the belt at the top to stop it retracting, then dunk it in a bucket of properly hot water with oxy cleaner for a while. Then suck the liquid out with the spot-cleaner vacuum cleaner, and allow to air dry before removing the peg and letting it return.

There is at least one belt that is somehow twisted at least one turn so it doesn't sit right in any orientation. For that I believe I have to undo the hex bolt securing the belt end to the space frame, resolve the loops and re-attach.

 

[dj_efk]

I've done it to my 7 1/2 year old Touran - my kids greasy paws had managed to contaminate the belt to such an extent that this procedure - not normally needed on cars twice that age carrying reasonably clean people - was necessary.

I only did a quick-ish job but it made all the difference.

 

[LexFire]

Just to confirm the advice given was spot on!
Please see the attached photo.

Thanks again @audifan for pointing it out and @Robin_Cox