Would you contact Graco about this?

my2boys0508

CPS Technician
I was cleaning our MR65 the other day and noticed that the forward facing LATCH connector is bent outward. My youngest is still rearfacing and my oldest is over the 48lb LATCH limit. I haven't had to use the forward LATCH straps yet and hadn't noticed this issue before now.

I keep flip flopping on if I need or want to contact Graco for a replacement LATCH strap. I *can* just use the seatbelt to install once my youngest does go forward facing.. but it would be nice to have the problem fixed so the option of using LATCH in the forward facing position is available as it should be...

Here are two pics to show how it's bent outward. Would you contact Graco over this?
 
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Maedze

New member
I had the same thing happen to the LATCH on my Nautilus. They promptly sent me an entire new SEATBACK. Overkill, but there you are.
 

safeinthecar

Moderator - CPS Technician
No I wouldn't. I would just pull it slightly to the side and put it back in the proper position. That part of the Latch hook is not load bearing, well not unless you are hooking it on upside down, which is why it is important to hook in right side up. That piece of the hook just helps you make sure you actually have the hook completely on the anchor. I see LATCH and Tether hooks get bent out of shape like that all the time.
 

my2boys0508

CPS Technician
I did try bending it back in myself and it's not happening. Not without major force anyway. It's not able to move over to the side enough to just slide it past the top of the hook and I can't get it to bend inward enough to pop back in. So, it's either a "don't use at all" or "contact Graco and have them replace it". I'm not looking to have the whole seat replaced, so I would opt out of that if they suggested it. I would just want a new FF Latch strap.
 

safeinthecar

Moderator - CPS Technician
I did try bending it back in myself and it's not happening. Not without major force anyway. It's not able to move over to the side enough to just slide it past the top of the hook and I can't get it to bend inward enough to pop back in. So, it's either a "don't use at all" or "contact Graco and have them replace it". I'm not looking to have the whole seat replaced, so I would opt out of that if they suggested it. I would just want a new FF Latch strap.

OK, in that case I would call them.

I wonder if they are using different LATCH hardware on the MR than they do on their infant seats, because the infant seat hooks pop in and out like yours with annoying ease, hence the reason I have to fix them frequently.
 

Maedze

New member
I tried (with a Gerber tool!) to 'fix' the LATCH strap on my Nautilus. It was not BUDGING. You can't just 'push it back'.

And although it's not load bearing, in an accident there is quite a bit of shifting. That piece of metal keeps the hook from sliding off if the tension shifts on the webbing.
 

my2boys0508

CPS Technician
I tried (with a Gerber tool!) to 'fix' the LATCH strap on my Nautilus. It was not BUDGING. You can't just 'push it back'.

And although it's not load bearing, in an accident there is quite a bit of shifting. That piece of metal keeps the hook from sliding off if the tension shifts on the webbing.

Exactly how I feel. That's why it's either- I contact them or just don't use LATCH in the FF position at all. Not going to chance it. And I feel if I have to use more force than what my own hands are capable of, then it's not worth trying to fix on my own. I would be much more comfortable having a new strap than one I had to fix.

I just sent Graco an email. I'll wait and see what they suggest or offer.

Thank you ladies!! :)
 

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