Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Mercury Mariner and 2010 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: After any crash, all of the following safety belt assemblies and attaching hardware must be inspected by an authorized dealer to verify correct function:

Retractors
Buckles
Belt tension sensor (BTS) (if equipped)
Front safety belt buckle support assemblies (slide bar) (if equipped)
Safety belt shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped)
Child safety seat tether bracket assemblies
Automatic locking retractor (ALR) feature for child safety seats (passenger seating positions only)

If any safety belt assembly is damaged, does not operate correctly or does not pass all of the Functional Tests in the DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING , a new safety belt assembly must be installed. If any safety belt assembly attaching areas are damaged or distorted, the sheet metal must be restored to its original structural integrity and new safety belt assembly and attaching hardware must be installed. Failure to install new safety belt assemblies and attaching hardware may increase the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.
After any crash that results in deployment of the driver and/or front outboard passenger safety belt pretensioners, new driver and/or front outboard passenger safety belt systems (including retractors, buckles and height adjusters) must be installed. Failure to install new safety belt systems increases the risk of serious personal injury or death in a crash.

NOTE: Inspect the D-ring cover for damage. If the cover is damaged or does not remain closed, install new D-ring cover and bolt.

Fig 1: Removing D-Ring Cover

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the D-ring cover by squeezing the height adjuster buttons and pulling the cover out at the bottom.
Remove the upper B-pillar trim panel. For additional information, refer to B-PILLAR TRIM PANEL .
Lower the height adjuster and remove the upper bolt.
- To install, tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Upper Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Raise the height adjuster and remove the lower bolt and height adjuster.
- To install, tighten to 48 Nm (35 lb-ft).
To install, reverse the removal procedure.
Check the active restraint system for correct operation. For additional information, refer to the appropriate FUNCTIONAL TEST procedure in SAFETY BELT SYSTEM .