# When to replace seat belts **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** belts\ **Created:** [June 5, 2011, 5:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-to-replace-seat-belts/65241 "2011-06-05T17:34:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Lawman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9d8465/32.png) [@Lawman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Lawman)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2011, 5:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-to-replace-seat-belts/65241/1 "2011-06-05T17:34:39Z")
Three questions, actually. (1) When should seat belts be replaced? I have a '95 Miata (original owner). The belts are frayed (not just fuzzy, but with actual strings coming off) and discolored from the sun. I assume I need new ones, but I wanted to check… (2) Can just the belt be replaced or do I have to replace the whole system, e.g. retractors, etc. How difficult would it be to replace only the belt? (3) If I bought a belt kit from a cheap online outfit, is there any chance in hell that it would work properly and save my life? Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![missileman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/missileman/32/1366_2.png) [@missileman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/missileman)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2011, 7:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-to-replace-seat-belts/65241/2 "2011-06-05T19:02:50Z")
I would just pick up a set at an auto recycler (junk yard). It’s a lot easier to replace the whole seatbelt assembly since they just bolt on. The bolts are sometimes difficult to remove so you may need to use a 1/2 inch impact wrench on them. I would forget about replacing the belt by itself as well as ordering them online. ---
**Author:** ![chaissos](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/chaissos/32/2347_2.png) [@chaissos](https://community.cartalk.com/u/chaissos)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2011, 9:00pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-to-replace-seat-belts/65241/3 "2011-06-05T21:00:47Z")
I’d have to agree with missileman, and would also point out that to “replace only the belt” would require the stitching, dis-assembly and reassembly of the whole unit. I don’t think very many shops, let alone people, have that capability at home. I don’t think I’d bother with any kind of “belt kit”, either. Although I don’t know which “cheap online outfit” you’re talking about. Sounds interesting, and I’d like to check them out. Post the URL, please. Chase ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2011, 9:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-to-replace-seat-belts/65241/4 "2011-06-05T21:54:16Z")
Belts that are in the condition described by the OP are definitely due for replacement. However, before doing anything in regard to buying replacement equipment, I would suggest checking the warranty booklet that came with the car. I suggest this because some car manufacturers–Subaru comes to mind–give a lifetime warranty on seat belts and related hardware. Just on the chance that Mazda has similar warranty coverage, I think that it would really be worth your while to check into the warranty coverage on this car. ---
**Author:** ![Lawman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9d8465/32.png) [@Lawman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Lawman)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2011, 12:22am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-to-replace-seat-belts/65241/5 "2011-06-06T00:22:34Z")
Thanks for the info. I called Mazda, and they refuse to replace them even after I tried to shame them by asking, “If Honda does, why not you?” They never answered that question – just said, “no, out of warranty.” ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2011, 4:09am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/when-to-replace-seat-belts/65241/6 "2011-06-06T04:09:16Z")
Well, it was worth a try.