Bentley Continental GT 2005 - Bonnet Won't Close...
Discussion
Hi, I'm new to Bentley ownership. I have just picked up a Continental GT 2005. It's in great general condition with low miles. Having some trouble with the bonnet after an MOT.
I think my problem is that the 2 x metal bonnet retaining bracket hoop latches fixed on the underside of the bonnet are not engaging the strikers at the slam panel deeply enough to operate the two latch mechanisms fully enough to their locking points. The two latch mechanisms appear to operate correctly enough when hand engaged with the help of a screwdriver, and then release positively on the pull of the release cable, so the latches work within the assembly, and the cable doesn't feel too stretched. It feels as though the bonnet and metal bonnet retaining bracket hoops cannot lower enough to engage the 2 x retaining striker mechanisms.
My question is there any adjustment possible in the mounting of the full metal bracket assembly housing the 2 x strikers (the elongated D-shaped metal bracket) onto the front of the car, so it can come up further to the surface of the slam panel? I did think I came across a mention of it being adjustable at the point of mounting on the front of the car at against the radiator fan assembly?
I see from the Bentley service manual that shims can be applied underneath the metal bonnet bracket retaining hoops on the underside of the bonnet / hood. Given that shims have not been previously used, and the bonnet did shut previously, I am just wondering if the full assembly housing the 2 x retaining latches has seen some movement (like the 'B' emblem safety retainer striker can move a bit on the torx bolt points - i.e. the torx bolt holes in that bracket are oval). I am looking at a few shims being my next move, but wondered if any of you Bentley Conti GT people have ever struggled with bonnet closing and might be able to give me any top tips??
I think my problem is that the 2 x metal bonnet retaining bracket hoop latches fixed on the underside of the bonnet are not engaging the strikers at the slam panel deeply enough to operate the two latch mechanisms fully enough to their locking points. The two latch mechanisms appear to operate correctly enough when hand engaged with the help of a screwdriver, and then release positively on the pull of the release cable, so the latches work within the assembly, and the cable doesn't feel too stretched. It feels as though the bonnet and metal bonnet retaining bracket hoops cannot lower enough to engage the 2 x retaining striker mechanisms.
My question is there any adjustment possible in the mounting of the full metal bracket assembly housing the 2 x strikers (the elongated D-shaped metal bracket) onto the front of the car, so it can come up further to the surface of the slam panel? I did think I came across a mention of it being adjustable at the point of mounting on the front of the car at against the radiator fan assembly?
I see from the Bentley service manual that shims can be applied underneath the metal bonnet bracket retaining hoops on the underside of the bonnet / hood. Given that shims have not been previously used, and the bonnet did shut previously, I am just wondering if the full assembly housing the 2 x retaining latches has seen some movement (like the 'B' emblem safety retainer striker can move a bit on the torx bolt points - i.e. the torx bolt holes in that bracket are oval). I am looking at a few shims being my next move, but wondered if any of you Bentley Conti GT people have ever struggled with bonnet closing and might be able to give me any top tips??
Edited by DavrosTheGreat on Monday 2nd March 18:19
Edited by DavrosTheGreat on Monday 2nd March 18:20
Sorry I can't help with your problem but there is a great group on Facebook with a lot of helpful people on there.
Bentley Continental GT DIY Home Mechanic
https://www.facebook.com/groups/5574878039231014/
Bentley Continental GT DIY Home Mechanic
https://www.facebook.com/groups/5574878039231014/
I know nothing about your particular car but am familiar with this sort of issue. Sometimes the fit is such that the latches don't engage upon gentle closing.
1. What happens if you slam the bonnet?
2. When the bonnet has been gently closed, can you put the palm of your hands flat on the bonnet above a latch and then apply all your weight? Give it a try and see if it will latch.
1. What happens if you slam the bonnet?
2. When the bonnet has been gently closed, can you put the palm of your hands flat on the bonnet above a latch and then apply all your weight? Give it a try and see if it will latch.
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