I just bought a 1987 Camry (which is awesome) but I noticed that when I yank on the seat belts in the front seats they don't lock up as I would expect. They retract from the driver's hip area, not the the shoulder, but when I pull as fast as I can they're not locking at all. And I have full range of forward motion when I lean forward. Is this a major safety issue or am I missing something? I'm hoping it's normal and would detect if I brake heavily, but I've never driven a car with automatic seatbelts. Any advice?

 

they should lock up at any sharp tug any time from the top to bottom to buckle point

the have a sort of momentum clutch so they lock up

you can try a diy inspection and clean because not a high tek seat belt

replacing the whole belt mechanism is an option ... its time consuming
ebay sellers list after market belt or one from a wrecker