Originally Posted by Ashley
Thanks Nick, I was rather hoping to fix this without removing the whole unit, which looks like a PIA access problem, Your solution sounds promising.
When you say "into the side" of the unit, where do you mean? Did you stick it in via the belt hole in the cockpit rear bulkhead, or sideways from the spare-wheel well? I think the whole retraction unit has the belt roll in the middle, while there are two plastic-covered compartments either side, one housing the ratchet /cog assembly, and the other side housing the main spring (not to be disassembled apparently!).
I can get a nozzle into the belt roll area, but not sure if that will then percolate through to the bits that are stuck.
I know you got yours sorted, but I was advised that WD 40 might cause damage/attract dirt, so maybe silicone lubricant is better?
I will try that tomorrow in daylight, and report back.
I wouldn't dare recommend what I did after reading all the comments.
I got the straw into the side where the ball bearings are. My memory is that there was a plastic cover which peeled back easily without a suspicion of dismantling the unit. A brief spray and it was done.