Rear Seatbelt Guide Removal

[SirToppamHat]

Galaxies have seat belt guides on either side of the middle row of seats. These are spring loaded clips (a bit like large tie clips) that hold the side seat belts against the side of the vehicle so they don't get in the way when the seats are removed.

 

One of mine has snapped off, leaving the base but not the spring-loaded 'finger'. I have purchased a replacement part for a mere

[Xenonman]

Somebody with the TIS CD will probably be able to help on this one, Im still wating for mine to arrive.

[Jim]

Which side?

 

I have done the drivers side one on my own car - last Saturday actually. To gain access, I removed the storage compartment in the rear - 4 screws inside and one in where the jack etc are kept. It then required a bit of gentle persuasion to remove this compartment unit as it is held in place around the area of the rear most seat belt. I was then able to get my hand down and remove the "bolts" from the back of the clip. Be careful not to drop these bolts as I'm sure it must be a nightmare to retrieve them! From memory, I think they are 10 mm. Also, watch out for the wires on the speaker.

 

Now you're gonna tell me yours is the passenger side one!

[SirToppamHat]

Yep, you guessed right! Of course mine is on the left (nearside) of the car!

 

I was intrigued by your description of the fastening - bolts?

 

The replacement piece I have has 2 plastic prongs, each slightly wider than a matchstick and about 1.5cm long. These must go through the panel, but I can't see how 'bolts' could be involved.

 

I may give it a go this Sunday. I'll let you all know how I get on.

 

Regards

 

STH

[Jim]

The best way I can describe it is that the "bolts" cut threads into the plastic prongs. I don't know the name for these, but I guess the are something similar to self tapping screws, except of course, they are bolts.

 

Had a look at the TIS for this - looks a bit of a mare. Lots to take off.

 

Perhaps another approach? The clips are made of 2 plastic parts, a sping and a plastic pin. On mine, the fault was caused by the plastic pin not being strong enough and bending. Perhaps, rather than replacing the whole clip, you could leave the base in place and "dismanltle" the clip, replacing the worn bits - almost certainly the plastic pin?

[SirToppamHat]

Jim

 

Ah, I see now. I had considered whether your idea of simply replacing the clip might be a better (simpler!) opiton, and I may give this a go. Failing which, I will wait for my TIS Disk to arrive and then do it the hard way.

 

Once again, many thanks for your assistance.

 

Regards

 

Simon

[Ivor_E_Tower]

Gave mine a good clean this afternoon inside and out, and can confirm that the rear trim panel will have to come off to replace the entire clip assembly.

[SirToppamHat]

OK then guys, I just thought I would complete the circle on this.

 

Today I printed off the relevant parts of the TIS and completed the job in about an hour.

 

The task required the pillar C and D trims and seatbelts to be removed, along with the side door rubbers around the affected areas. It was then necessary to remove the side trim at the foot of the side door. I removed the 'clip' from half way along the side trim panel at the bottom.

 

I didn't manage or need to completely remove the rear (D) pillar trim, and in the end I was able to lever the front part of the side panel towards the inside of the car to access the back of the clip.

 

Talk about a crap design! The clip has 2 prongs that are about 1cm long. These pass through the panael and are held in place by a couple of 'self cutting' nuts. Once the back of the panel was exposed, the job was a doddle.

 

If I was doing it again, I reckon it would take me about 30 mins. It would be interesting to know what Ford charge!

 

Anyway, thanks to all of you that helped!

 

Regards

 

Simon