2008 ms3 Seat Belt Buckle Loose and Floppy and Seat Belt Not Retracting

[zmd1990]

I have searched high and low for this issue and have found nothing to help me solve the it and its driving me crazy.

My drivers seat belt buckle is completely loose. It just flops around back and forth, side to side.

Should there be a washer or something there to keep it tight? The bolt is tight and won't budge.

Looking for any ideas before I buy new buckles.

Also if someone could post a pic of beside their seat, where the buckle bolt it, that would help tremendously. (do not know anyone else with a ms3 I could look at)

Thanks!



ps The drivers seat belt retracts very slowly. Also, the car is an r title with right suspension damage that was repaired professionaly (may have something to do with it?? I have no idea)

[Nliiitend1]

I think there may be a wave spring that is supposed to be in there to keep things firmed up, but perhaps it has broken/fallen off the pin...

I have the same issue, and can't say for sure that it was ever NOT like that (even though I've had this car since new), but the passenger side appears to have the aforementioned wave spring so that's my best guess.

Regardless, it should have no bearing on the functionality of the seatbelt or its ability to keep you restrained. I wouldn't worry about it.

[zmd1990]

Ok I think I know what you're talking about. Does it look kind of like a bent washer? Almost like a nylon washer? I see one on my passenger side but not driver side


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[Mazdazilla6]

Loose and floppy lol

[Nliiitend1]

Originally Posted by zmd1990 Ok I think I know what you're talking about. Does it look kind of like a bent washer? Almost like a nylon washer? I see one on my passenger side but not driver side Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[zmd1990]

Pic isn't working. I googled it. My drivers side definately does not have one. Now where to find one....googled about every part diagram I could and could only find the entire buckle. Might have to go to the local hardware store and see if I can find something close. Thank you

[sidekick]

My MS6 seat belt is slow to retract, but still does tighten up as it should. I just always assumed the part that retracts the seat belt was wearing out.

[zmd1990]

Yeah I'm not too worried about the belt retracting because it still works fine. I just like everything to be right.


So would the wave spring have an open end that would allow it to fall off? Or did someone before me mess with it?


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[Nliiitend1]

Originally Posted by zmd1990 Yeah I'm not too worried about the belt retracting because it still works fine. I just like everything to be right. So would the wave spring have an open end that would allow it to fall off? Or did someone before me mess with it? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have no idea.

Like I said, I don't have one either, and I have always just assumed it wore out/broke/fell off at some point.

Again, it has no bearing on the functionality of my seatbelt, so I don't let it bother me.

[zmd1990]

Ok, thanks a lot for your help. Yeah the buckle works fine. Just got my ms3 (have always had VW) and I'm just trying to work out the little things. I am going to look for a wave spring and see if I can fix it. I will report back if I have any luck.

[sidekick]

Honestly, you may just have to replace the whole seat belt retracting assembly. Here is a picture of the assembly, maybe this will help:

[Atticaz]

Its kinda annoying how it flops around. Chicks like it better firm. LOL!!

But seriously, Mine is missing this spring as well.

[Lex2007]

Anyone simply replaced the seat belt and retracting mechanism? I assume its a simple R&R? My driver's side front belt is not retracting anymore.