INSPECTION OF THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM PART 5: SEAT AND RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
– 64 – Y53-6007 (R10/06)
• Environmental conditions represent another major dif-
ference in the systems in automobiles and heavy duty
and specialty vehicles. Unlike the automotive environ
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ment, heavy duty and specialty vehicles may be very
dirty, and have more exposure to the sun’s damaging
ultraviolet rays, thus resulting in a reduction of the life
of the seat belt system.
The high mileage associated with heavy duty vehicles and
possible wear of the 3-point seat belt system, the contin
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ual relative movement of the system, the possible contact
with the vehicle seat or other parts of the cab structure,
and the potential exposure of this system to severe envi
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ronmental conditions make it crucial to inspect the three-
point seat belt systems regularly.
It is recommended that the seat belt system in a vehicle
be inspected every 20,000 miles (32,000 km) or more
often if the vehicle is exposed to severe environmental
conditions. Any seat belt system that shows cuts, fraying,
extreme or unusual wear, significant discoloration due to
UV exposure, abrasion to the seat belt webbing, or dam
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age to the buckle, latch plate, retractor hardware or any
other obvious problem should be replaced immediately,
regardless of mileage.
WARNING! It is important to remember that
any time a vehicle is involved in an accident,
the entire seat belt system must be replaced.
Unexposed damage caused by the stress of
an accident could prevent the system from
functioning properly the next time it is
needed, which could result in severe injury or
even death.
One of the most critical areas to be inspected is the seat
belt webbing. Constant movement of the belt actually
means the webbing is experiencing wear as it travels in
and out of the retractor, through the pillar loop web guide
and through the various pieces of hardware associated
with the belt. The following guidelines detail how to
inspect for cuts, fraying, extreme or unusual wear of the
webbing, etc. and damage to the buckle, retractor, hard
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ware, or other factors which indicate that belt replacement
is necessary.
1. Check the web wear in the system. The webbing must
be closely examined to determine if it is coming into
contact with any sharp or rough surfaces on the seat
or other parts of the cab interior. These areas are typ
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