bonnet release

[stypemike2245]

Hi all. Big thanks to everyone on my last post about my dead battery, support and information has got me running again. so now that I'm running again thought I'd take it for a spin to see if everything was ok. and it generally was until I noticed the drivers side of the bonnet was vibrating and lifting. Now yesterday was very windy and as I noticed I slowed down as I didn't want to encourage the bonnet to fly open. So got home okay and pressed down on the bonnet and all looks well but is there any other way of checking the bonnet catches are secure and what are the chances of the bonnet lifting whilst driving?

mike

[J44EAG]

The release you use after using the bonnet pull is the secondary device used to ensure the bonnet does not fly open unexpectedly. Only when you have put your hand under the front of the bonnet and manually released this second safety device, will the bonnet open.

As you are in the bonnet area, take the opportunity to lubricate the bonnet cable and the two release mechanisms. Do not mix lubricants such grease and WD40...it will turn to a sticky sludge.

The normal method of locking the bonnet is to drop it down from a height of about two feet or about 700mm if you are one of those metric types! With locks working freely, both catches should grab easily and both sides of the bonnet be level with the top of the wings. Adjust the bump stops on top of the wing panels as needed.

Mike

[PaulGover]

As Mike says, pay attention to lubrication. I had problems with sticky cables stopping the bonnet locks seating properly.
My way to shut it is to gently place it where it belongs, then press firmly, directly over the two catches - not too hard, I expect it's possible to buckle the aluminium.

[davidr]

The reason why you should drop the bonnet from a sensible height as Mike suggests is to avoid pressing it down from above. The aluminium is not very resistant to deforming and you don't want 2 handprints impressed on your bonnet!

[J44EAG]

As described above by David for bonnet shutting, the same "anti-paw print" avoidance goes for the boot panel as well. However, dropping from a height is not relevant. Just closing the boot down will be met with the electronic lock taking over and pulling the boot shut the last inch or so. It is nice to watch!

It is worth mentioning that when inspecting a 350/350 as a potential purchase, it is always worth sighting across both bonnet and boot panels for evidence of any heavy handed "paw print" type deformation. You would be surprised how many 350 vehicles show evidence of mal-treatment.

Mike