The Traffic Accident Reconstruction Origin -ARnews-

seat belts

Patrick DeJonghe (dejonghe@flash.net)
Wed, 26 Nov 1997 18:17:40 -0500 (EST)

I have a question about an 1988 Audi and their seatbelts. I removed the "reel" and the three point harness from the car. The reels were locked on both the driver's and passenger's side. (the belts will not pull out or retract). They were found in the fully retracted position and there was no damage that would have pinned the belts. I found a large wire cable coming from the reels, going along the rocker panel and into the engine compartment through the fire wall. The two cables converged then connected with the transmission. The collision damage was such that I could not get further. I have been unable to find any documentation on what this cable does. Dealership repair manuals do not have notes for this cable. The Reels are factory sealed and I will have to damage the housing to see what is inside. I am waiting to be better informed before tearing into the thing.
I have heard of seat belt designs that will tighten and pull back on the shoulder strap during impact. Anyone with knowledge and perhaps some reference source is greatly appreciated.

Patrick DeJonghe

Patrick DeJonghe
dejonghe@flash.net

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