Can you just replace the spring in it's clear little housing? or do you have to replace the whole spool assembly.?

 

MLB: Here, try this link. Not sure if it will fix your problem, but good luck.

 

Would this be considered defective? If so, they might fix it for free.

 

sounds like it may have gotten twisted inside the unit. take it appart (why not, cant hurt it from its current condition) and see if its twisted up. fix if applicable

 

Do you have any warranty time left?
Aren't seatbelts and other safety items warranteed to 100K?

 

Take it to the dealer. I have a buddy that takes his '92 P/u in anytime the belts start acting funny and they replace the whole mechanism. They told him that safety issues like that will always be handled. Heck, it's worth a try.

 

how old is the vehicle? If its older it is probably just the retractor spring getting stretched. I read an article on the net somewhere about how to fix this. Take it apart, and just wind the spring tighter, then re-assemble. Might be worth searching for.

 

hmmm, yes, I think I remember reading an article on the net about it here.

 

Yup, that be the one, good article.