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They actually have trunk hinges on list for lubrication at service intervals, but not hood mechanicals AFAIK. I do it periodically anyway, even with a "California" car. Given recent spate of posts I did my 2 minute preemptive strike. ...Easier than the compressor relay I still have on standby for next under dash dive; I'll spray the handle end then as well when I can be careful with the carpeting. Definitely not having a good day if either crap out.
FWIW, I've also played with the 4 rubber bungs/stops on the leading edge of the hood to get the right mix of "pop" and snugness and fit/height at side fender seams, but not so tight as to make handle operation start to get balky/stiff/hard.
I just did this last week. I must say, I only have to pull about half as hard now before it pops open. It's also a good idea to spray the cable wherever there is an opening in the sheathing. In salty areas the cables oxidize, expand, and cause excessive friction or even seizing.
I swear by this lubricant. It sprays on liquid, immediately foams to cause a capillary action, and then gels up and stays there until you physically remove it. It doesn't wash out.
I did this today with some spray lube. Sprayed all the cable entry points and the mechanisms on the latches, and also popped open the cable splitter and sprayed the cable entry points in there too. Surprisingly the mechanism requires much less force to operate now. Hopefully this will prevent the serious PITA created by one of the cables snapping.
...I swear by this lubricant. It sprays on liquid, immediately foams to cause a capillary action, and then gels up and stays there until you physically remove it. It doesn't wash out.
HHS-K really IS da bomb! Comes out like water, instantly gets into the joint and turns into a remarkably durable gel. When I sold Industrial supplies for a living, any customer to whom I gave a sample bought at least a case, and it ain't cheap. $20/can, 12/case; they are oversized cans though. I'm doing my trunk hinges right now - actually cleaned the heck out of them w/detailing spray and a baby toothbrush, waiting for the sun to dry them so the HHS can sink in when I hit 'em with it.
Most Wurth products are great, but hard to find! I had to order direct (since I no longer have an account w/them) and $150 minimum, IIRC. That's a pretty ood size order. They do give 25% discount and you can mix-n-match.
Do NOT buy their "Cockpit Cleaner", though. It will strip the velvety layer right off switches, door handles, etc.. Whoever designed that formula should be shot!
I have a stuck hood latch (not latching, thank God) so I dredged up this old thread to see common fail modes/points.
04-29-2015, 10:02 AM
Simple hood (bonnet) maintenance
