Stiff bonnet

[micky.]

My bonnet is very slow to lift. It slowly raises itself to about chin level, then I have to force it up the rest of the way. The hinges and struts all look in good order, and I’ve given them a blast of wd40 and lifted/dropped the bonnet a few times, but it still feels far too stiff. Any suggestions?

 

[bertb1]

Hello
Many men suffer from a stiff bonnet
Only joking sure someone can help


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[LostKiwi]

Sounds like the gas struts are tired. Probably one of them is no longer functioning. You can't tell by looking unfortunately.

 

[badger_wazzala]

-Hydraulic fluid in the strut has broken down over time. The struts are incredibly easy to exchange, have a look on-line at replacements to resolve your issue.

 

[micky.]

Thanks chaps, I’ll replace the duff strut.

 

[EmilysDad]

Thanks chaps, I’ll replace the duff strut.

question being ... which is the duff strut? And if one has gone, then the other won't be far behind. Best replaced in pairs

 

[micky.]

question being ... which is the duff strut? And if one has gone, then the other won't be far behind. Best replaced in pairs

Yes, good point, ta

 

[badger_wazzala]

Agreed.

-also I was half asleep when I responded as they may be gas filled not fluid filled. Either way they’re easy to replace. A single clip and a good tug.

 

[micky.]

Agreed.

-also I was half asleep when I responded as they may be gas filled not fluid filled. Either way they’re easy to replace. A single clip and a good tug.

Brilliant, ta. So they aren’t screwed in or bolted on? Do I literally just pull them off by hand? Any tips on whether to start at the top or the bottom? Sorry for all the (unintentionally erotic) questions, I try to avoid getting my hands dirty these days.

 

[flowrider]

Be careful and make sure you prop the bonnet open when you remove a strut as the bonnet is likely too heavy for one strut to hold.

 

[badger_wazzala]

Be careful and make sure you prop the bonnet open when you remove a strut as the bonnet is likely too heavy for one strut to hold.

Hahahahhaa, sounds obvious but some people wouldn’t think of that.

You’re fine if you just replace one at a time.
You’ll need a small thin firm screwdriver to pry a spring clip open/forward to release any bearings in the end of the strut, and then you can tug the female off its male ball/stud. You may need to use some old cloths and a piece of softwood to get some leverage if you can’t pop the strut off by hand. Grease the new ones when putting them on as they will pivot slightly when in use.
I’d probably start at the bottom for no real reason.
It’s very easy, if you just have a look you'll see.

 

[micky.]

Thanks, I really appreciate the advice.

 

[micky.]

Be careful and make sure you prop the bonnet open when you remove a strut as the bonnet is likely too heavy for one strut to hold.

Ta.

 

[Headhurts]

My bonnet is very slow to lift. It slowly raises itself to about chin level, then I have to force it up the rest of the way. The hinges and struts all look in good order, and I’ve given them a blast of wd40 and lifted/dropped the bonnet a few times, but it still feels far too stiff. Any suggestions?

That’s the way they are supposed to work.

I have had two new Mercedes E Class and both worked the same, they slowly rise to a set height and if you want it further opened push against slight resistance.

Unless of course your is different but my current car is a 2016 E350.

Robin

 

[micky.]

That’s the way they are supposed to work.

I have had two new Mercedes E Class and both worked the same, they slowly rise to a set height and if you want it further opened push against slight resistance.

Unless of course your is different but my current car is a 2016 E350.

Robin

Hi Robin. It does raise itself, but painfully slowly, and only to the point where I can’t see into the engine bay without crouching. The last few inches are really hard to lift, to the extent that I’m applying so much force it feels like something could easily break or bend. I’m pretty certain there is a fault.

 

[AntMB]

Agreed.

-also I was half asleep when I responded as they may be gas filled not fluid filled. Either way they’re easy to replace. A single clip and a good tug.

Yep, a good tug of that stiff.....bonnet

 

[Jimbo1959]

After reading this thread I've realised that the struts in my car must be gubbed, as soon as you release the bonnet catch, I have to lift my bonnet up, (Oo-er missus), it will stay in place where ever it's left but, definitely needs help to get there.

I've been so used to manual lift bonnets that I never even gave it a thought.

I should have known better with all the auto devices fitted to the car.

 

[badger_wazzala]

Yep, a good tug of that stiff.....bonnet

Children please.


Also FYI I require the use of both hands for efficacy

 

[Headhurts]

Hi Robin. It does raise itself, but painfully slowly, and only to the point where I can’t see into the engine bay without crouching. The last few inches are really hard to lift, to the extent that I’m applying so much force it feels like something could easily break or bend. I’m pretty certain there is a fault.

Mine opens enough to see and work on the engine the last part of the bonnet movement is quite stiff and needs a good push to fully open it.

I will add some photos.

 

[micky.]

Mine opens enough to see and work on the engine the last part of the bonnet movement is quite stiff and needs a good push to fully open it.

I will add some photos.

View attachment 59809 View attachment 59810

Hi, mine doesn't reach that high. I'm 5'10" and it raises, very slowly, to somewhere between my chest and my chin, meaning I've got to duck under it to look at the engine bay, or give it a very hard slow push with both hands to fully raise it. I've got a new strut coming tomorrow - I'll try it on both sides to see if it improves things, then if it needs it I'll order another to match.