Seat belt clunk/pop noise (2008 rogue)

[dmw98path]

We have a 2008 Rogue, SL AWD with 60k miles. Just over 3 weeks ago, after a long road trip I started hearing a sort of pop/clunk type sound with the drivers side seat belt. A typical scenario where it can occur is when you are driving around a tight corner and the seat belt tightens, then loosens up then tightens up again (pop).

The seat belt stays latched and can not be pulled out but this tighten/loosen cycle of the belt can result in this metal/plastic poping sound as something inside the latching area gives. It can be reproduced by sitting in the drivers seat, seat belt fastened, pulling on the seat belt and then pushing left, across the body then pushing right, away from the body towards the passenger along the same line--to simulate a back and forth or tighten and loosen motion.

Has anyone else experienced this? I'm guessing my only option would be to have the mechanism replaced by the dealer--which since it is a seat belt should be under warranty for life.

Thanks,
-dan

[DTASFAB]

Warranty for life? Never heard of that. Seat belts are overrated anyway. Sounds like yours could choke you to death if you don't get it fixed.

[dmw98path]

I spent a little more time on this today and now I can see/hear it is not coming from the buckle insert area. The metal pop sound is actually coming down below where the seat belt fastens to the seat. There is a 13-14mm nut holding the seat belt buckle into place and it can move between two metal locations (towards front/rear of vehicle) about 30 degrees. When I pull/push perpendicular to that direction is when I get the metal pop. I can't see where it is happening and based on my attempt to loosen it would seem my best bet would be to remove the seat in order to really observe the problem.

Anyone encounter anything similar?