Replace driver's-side seatbelt retractor LS400 1994
02-08-23, 11:38 AM
#1
9th Gear
Thread Starter
Replace driver's-side seatbelt retractor LS400 1994
I have seen comments posted here touching on this topic, but they were old and provided no solutions.
I have consulted multiple Lexus dealership parts departments and have been told the same thing repeatedly:
1) the part number for the driver's-side seatbelt retractor on a 1994 LS400 is 73220-50051 which was superceded by 73220-50052. The numerals are followed by two letters which are the color code for the belt fabric.
2) this part is discontinued and is not is any dealership in the United States.
3) I have contacted recycle yards (24+) from California to Maine. No one has the part I need.
4) the retractors for 1994 are different from '90, '91, 92, '93 and '95 and will not interchange and have different part numbers.
5) I may end up having to send the unit to a company in Massachusetts that has been highly recommended, but I really want an original one.
I have owned this Lexus since 1999 and struggle to replace parts, but I have a mechanic who takes excellent care of the beast and I have no intention of replacing this magnificent car with only 220,000 miles on it.
Thanks in advance for any all responses!
I have consulted multiple Lexus dealership parts departments and have been told the same thing repeatedly:
1) the part number for the driver's-side seatbelt retractor on a 1994 LS400 is 73220-50051 which was superceded by 73220-50052. The numerals are followed by two letters which are the color code for the belt fabric.
2) this part is discontinued and is not is any dealership in the United States.
3) I have contacted recycle yards (24+) from California to Maine. No one has the part I need.
4) the retractors for 1994 are different from '90, '91, 92, '93 and '95 and will not interchange and have different part numbers.
5) I may end up having to send the unit to a company in Massachusetts that has been highly recommended, but I really want an original one.
I have owned this Lexus since 1999 and struggle to replace parts, but I have a mechanic who takes excellent care of the beast and I have no intention of replacing this magnificent car with only 220,000 miles on it.
Thanks in advance for any all responses!
Last edited by johnpend; 02-09-23 at 08:38 AM. Reason: Incorrect extra digit in part number
02-13-23, 08:37 AM
#3
9th Gear
Thread Starter
02-13-23, 09:05 AM
#4
Fun, I had the same issue. Since I'm in Canada, I was not able to send my retractor to the rebuild company in MA, as they do not ship OCONUS. I would get in touch with them and see if they can fix your unit -- the belt should stay original it's just the internals of the retractor they will fix.
If that doesn't work, I fixed it the following way. I got a working junkyard retractor and swapped the belt from the old unit into the "new" one. To find a retractor you can try eBay (I didn't have any luck) or search all North American junkyards using car-part.com. Once you have a working retractor, you can remove your existing belt from the bad one and put it into the "new" one.
shows how you can get the belt out of the old retractor and install it in the "new" one.
As a last resort, you could try using a retractor out of a 1993. If you post a picture of your 94 retractor I could tell you if a 93 one would work.
If that doesn't work, I fixed it the following way. I got a working junkyard retractor and swapped the belt from the old unit into the "new" one. To find a retractor you can try eBay (I didn't have any luck) or search all North American junkyards using car-part.com. Once you have a working retractor, you can remove your existing belt from the bad one and put it into the "new" one.
As a last resort, you could try using a retractor out of a 1993. If you post a picture of your 94 retractor I could tell you if a 93 one would work.
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