Finding discontinued LS400 parts

[johnpend]

I'm going nuts trying to find a part and I need help desperately!

I have consulted multiple Lexus dealership parts departments and have been told the same thing repeatedly:

1) the part number for the driver's-side seatbelt retractor on a 1994 LS400 is 73220-50051 which was superseded by 73220-50052. The numerals are followed by two letters which are the color code for the belt fabric.

2) this part is discontinued and is not is any dealership in the United States.

3) I have contacted recycle yards (24+) from California to Maine. No one has the part I need.

4) the retractors for 1994 are different from '90, '91, 92, '93 and '95 and will not interchange and have different part numbers.

5) I may end up having to send the unit to a company in Massachusetts that has been highly recommended, but I really want an original one.

I have owned this Lexus since 1999 and struggle to replace parts, but I have a mechanic who takes excellent care of the beast and I have no intention of replacing this magnificent car with only 220,000 miles on it.

Thanks in advance for any all responses!

[chc0318]

It is a discontinued item, I think you need to find used part. Search 1994 Lexus LS400 parts from Ebay, you can find some company sell used parts, then contact them to find one for you. Best Wishes.

My 1993 Lexus LS400 with 217,000 miles, still runs very smooth.

Best Wishes.

[johnpend]

Thank you Chang-Hsin for responding! 😊

I have contacted multiple Lexus dealerships. Yes, the part is discontinued, they confirmed that. They are all connected by a nationwide parts network and this part is not in inventory anywhere.

I am very familiar with eBay and have searched there intensively. This is a very specific part and cannot be swapped for the passenger-side front unit or any of the rear seat units. 

There is one vendor on eBay who claims to have the driver's-side front retractor, but he states that the "donor" vehicle was a 1990 LS400. He states that it will fit a '90, '91, '92, '93, '94 and '95. However, I spoke to the managers of several Lexus dealership parts departments and they assured me that the 1994 unit is specific to that year.

Again, thanks for responding and congratulations on your 1993 LS400. I hope you will have many more years enjoying it.

[paulo57509]

3 hours ago, johnpend said:

I'm going nuts trying to find a part and I need help desperately!

I have consulted multiple Lexus dealership parts departments and have been told the same thing repeatedly:

1) the part number for the driver's-side seatbelt retractor on a 1994 LS400 is 73220-50051 which was superseded by 73220-50052. The numerals are followed by two letters which are the color code for the belt fabric.

2) this part is discontinued and is not is any dealership in the United States.

3) I have contacted recycle yards (24+) from California to Maine. No one has the part I need.

4) the retractors for 1994 are different from '90, '91, 92, '93 and '95 and will not interchange and have different part numbers.

5) I may end up having to send the unit to a company in Massachusetts that has been highly recommended, but I really want an original one.

I have owned this Lexus since 1999 and struggle to replace parts, but I have a mechanic who takes excellent care of the beast and I have no intention of replacing this magnificent car with only 220,000 miles on it.

Thanks in advance for any all responses!

I've used this search site to find obsolete parts.  However, the success rate is fairly low.

https://www.rearcounter.com/

My local Lexus dealership uses this site.

https://www.partsvoice.com/

You mentioned a company where you send in your retractor; do they rebuild yours and send it back or do they just exchange it?

[johnpend]

Thanks Paulo!

I really appreciate your suggestions! I tried both of them and got nothing, but Thanks anyway. Come on people, please keep those suggestions coming! I am really in need and will follow up on EVERY lead. Thanks in advance!

[johnpend]

Paulo,

 

The company I have been talking to rebuilds the unit you send them. The problem seems to be the time required to send it to them and for them to ship it back.

[paulo57509]

2 hours ago, johnpend said:

Paulo,

 

The company I have been talking to rebuilds the unit you send them. The problem seems to be the time required to send it to them and for them to ship it back.

If you want to keep your original retractor, this is probably your only option.