Bonez

Front seat belt doesnt retract properly, sometimes slow and sometimes not at all, Im constantly slamming the door on the buckle ( p*ssing me off ) that I think the door closed and lock when its still open , or getting in and sitting on the belt trying to buckle up. How do I fix this so it retracts properly? Its just the drivers side doing it.

donbrew

And the dilemma is...?
Saunter into a GM parts department and hand over about $125 fo a new one.

Oldblue

Is the belt frayed ? You need a new belt.
pic a parts might sell you one.

donbrew

I think they are in the same category as airbags. The fronts have an explosive element, they lock when the airbags deploy.

Oldblue

So, if you find an HHR without the airbags deployed, can you salvage the front driver’s side outer belt assembly?

Online they aren’t to expensive for new

https://www.gmpartsgiant.com/oem-che...seat_belt.html

donbrew

No, you can't use used ones. If not for legal reasons, for liability reasons. Not sure of that, but I do know used is not recommended. Technically, a shop can only install new restraint parts made for the model and year of the vehicle.
I don't care what you choose to do; just warning.
I know that junkyards can't sell used catalytic converter for use (they can and do recycle them), I think airbags and actuator type seatbelts are in the same category.
People have been sued because of frayed seatbelts. Just saying. "Do you feel lucky?? (insert Dirty Harry meme here)

Oldblue

Well do ya?

PulpFriction

At the risk of mentioning the obvious that you probably already tried, have you tried pulling it all the way out? Sometimes they get twisted inside.

Snoopy

If you have an air compressor, try blowing about 50 psi in the retainer cover. I did this to a friends Impala (remember those) who had the same problem and it worked. Ultimately it was a candy mint wrapper.

Bonez

not happening