Bonnet removal

[Toby Tram]

Hi All

Can someone tell me whether the bonnet on a Wedge is straightforward to remove and refit?

I have to replace the dodgy power steering pipework which has been fitted to the car and reckoned that the easiest way to do it would be from above with the bonnet removed.

Cheers

Adrian

[Jon280]

Yes, its pretty simple. I managed to remove mine on my own, and refit with the help of friend.

They are connected via the two gas struts and then two bolts into captive fittings on the body shell.

What I did was use some ratchet straps round the beans of the garage roof to support the bonnet, then removed the gas struts. I then slid an old towel under the front of the bonnet before removing the bolts to avoid scratched when it drops a little into the aperture, then hefted it out the way. They are not too heavy, just quite large and awkward.

Repeated the process in reverse to refit, but with the addition of friend helping. All in only took about 10 mins to remove and the same to put it back on. So much more access with it off, mad what I had to do a million times easier.

[Toby Tram]

Blimey, that was a quick answer.

Thanks Jon. That was what I assumed, but it's nice to hear that it is as it seems.

Cheers

Adrian

[Jon280]

Here is a picture just after I had removed the bolts two bolts holding it in, so you can see where I shoved the towels to prevent damage. You can also see the green straps that were hen at that point holding it up.

[Wedg1e]

The end fittings of the gas rams have a little tab that needs to be prised out so you can pop the fitting off the ball... there's a screwdriver slot to make it easier. The tab doesn't need to come all the way out, just enough to release the cup from the ball.

[adam quantrill]

I find that the bonnets remove themselves usually doing a ton up!

So wire-lock the bonnet bolts when refitting.

Bonnet Bolt Advice From The FAQ

[RichChef]

Be carefully not to snap the bolts as you are undoing them. If you do it can be a right pain in the backside!

[wooly350i]

adam quantrill said:

I find that the bonnets remove themselves usually doing a ton up!

So wire-lock the bonnet bolts when refitting.

Bonnet Bolt Advice From The FAQ

Mine stayed in place last night

[Toby Tram]

RichChef said:

Be carefully not to snap the bolts as you are undoing them. If you do it can be a right pain in the backside!

That sounds like a man speaking from experience!!

The bolts on mine are a bit rusty- but hopefully not too bad. I might help them along with some Plusgas first.

Thanks for all the help guys. The gas struts are familiar to me from other cars but knowing that there are no hidden nasties other than the obvious is reassuring.

A.