Seat Belt Receptacle Replacement - 97 Tacoma

The seatbelt on the driver's seat belt on my 97 Tacoma won’t click into place. I have tried multiple types of lubricants, but nothing works. The shop I use advised me they don't handle seat belt issues and recommended I contact the Toyota dealer or an auto upholstery shop since the seat belt receptacle is integrated into the seat (it's a 60/40 split seat). I can order the female receptacle part online, but I need some guidance on the best way to install. Do I need to unbolt and pull the seat out to install it? Can the part be replaced without taking the seat apart? See attached photo for reference.

I also did some research, and from what I could find Toyota does not offer a lifetime warranty on seat belts. Let me know if that is not the case.

 

Seat belts are a wear item they do not have a life time warranty.

Are you sure the female side of the seat belt is bolted to the seat ??

Not to the floor under the seat??

Reach under the seat and feel around.

I had this happen what happens is paper and grit gets stuck inside and will not allow the latching mechanism to latch.

 

The female seat belt receptacle is bolted to the side of the seat frame. If you unbolt and remove the seat it's not too difficult to access and unbolt

 

Never having those seats i learned something new.