Seat belt on drivers side of my 97 F150 SC no longer retracts without help, and screeches like a cat in a box when it does. Any suggestions ?

 

i have the same problem without the screech part.

 

My 99 did the same thing. I remember a dealer telling me that you can replace whatever latch/mechanism that retracts the belt to solve the problem, but ended up trading the truck before I got around to that.

 

Same here.

 

I have the same problem on my 99. The screech is so bad it does it when you lean forward while driving ... pretty annoying I'm too cheap/broke to replace the belt, and I was hoping there was some way to lube the retractor. I must admit I've been too lazy to tear into it to see if lubing is possible.

 

My wife had the same problem on her '99 Taurus. I tried getting them repaired, but decided to replace them instead. When it comes to seat belts, I do not place a dollar value on my family's safety!

 

I had the same problem .... screeching seat belt that does not retract.
I removed the plastic panels to access and remove the seat belt mechanism. Using a can of WD40 (with the provided tube for the nozzle) I carefully pulled the webbing all the way out and aside to gain a clear shot at the outer portions of the spool and gave it several shots on both sides of the spool. Then I allowed the belt the retract. Then moved the belt in and out several times to make sure I got enough lubricant in place. I was very careful not to get lubricant on the belt. It now works fine. I will replace it soon though with a new one. I view this as just a temporary fix until I can buy a new one.