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Bonnet catch

Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2014 8:54 am
by Crs
Just had the power steering seen to on the car and replaced both front wiper blades. So, I thought I was sorted for a while. HOWEVER, the bonnet isn't fully closing. It will latch to the first click, but not the second. I was thinking the release cable might be seized as it's always been rather stiff to pull. Any place I should be looking where they are known to seize? I thought I'd go after it with some WD40. Is that the right plan? Much thanks!

BTW 1997 Discovery 1 V8 auto.

Re: Bonnet catch

Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2014 11:37 am
by DBrands
You and me both. My hood release was as stiff as well, stiff things.

Release looked corroded at the hood latch so I replaced with new. No difference with the new release. I ended up lubricating the latch mechanism with copious amounts of lube.

Jeez this is starting to go sideways.

Anyways, I think the hood springs are rather stiff, oh not again, and they put more pressure (I can't escape this can I?) on the mechanism, requiring a lot of strength to grasp, err, pull, uhh, yeah, difficult to get the hood mechanism to open.

I just decided it was in my best interest to use the hood release as some form of exercise/workout. Now I just need a tire on the hood and I'll be ripped. :drunken:

Re: Bonnet catch

Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2014 2:35 pm
by egatada
Be careful. The hood release was tight on my Disco and when I reefed on it the plastic t-handle snapped in my hand and sliced my finger to the bone.

Re: Bonnet catch

Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2014 5:08 pm
by Crs
OUCH! :shock: :shock: :shock:

I ended up just giving the release handles a few pulls (firm pulls, not anything drastic) and it's working again. :D

I still don't mind getting out the WD40 if anyone knows the spot.

Re: Bonnet catch

Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2014 11:26 am
by Whistler110
Mine was sticking, so I doused the whole under hood assembly with Krown K-40 antirust creeping lube. It took a few days of opening it each day and spraying a bit more in, but it's been fine for a few months now. If the cable is rusted you can get a cable spray kit from most motorcycle shops and lube the cable inside the housing. I've done this on other vehicles I've owned.

Re: Bonnet catch

Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2014 2:43 pm
by egatada
I ordered a new cable from MCL when my handle broke. I haven't picked it up yet. After I ordered it, I noticed they are available on ebay for about $30.

Re: Bonnet catch

Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2014 5:36 pm
by Crs
Good to know. Thanks.