Bonnet catch

[mav 1]

Whenever I've been poking around under the bonnet, it takes me about 10-15 minutes to get the bonnet to shut properly. The catch just won't engage, it's like there is something stopping me pushing the bonnet down further into the catch. It takes a bit of wiggling of the release lever and a bit of luck to get it to engage.

Anybody had similar issues? How easy are these things to replace?
The rubber tube on the bonnet part of the catch is a bit chewed up but I don't think that is causing the problem.

Steve.

[V8 Animal]

The catch can be adjusted sideways and up and down.
Have you greased the catch?
V8 Animal

[mav 1]

Haven't grease it. It's like the spring underneath is too strong.
I'll have a look at moving it up a touch.
Thanks.

[That Daddy]

Mine was that the cable was starting to seize and not returning fully(same problem you describe)£6 later new cable, luverly juberly

[Ribol]

Don't flame me for this question but have you checked the bonnet pull knob is all the way in before trying to shut the bonnet and the cable adjusted correctly?

On mine it did not return properly, put a new cable on it, easier to open but still need to push the knob home before shutting the bonnet.

[mav 1]

The pull-lever was returned fully, I even jiggled the other end around (by the catch). After a while it seemed to be OK, but then it kept releasing the bonnet at over 80mph. It's a bit disconcerting to have the bonnet pop up at speed.

Time for a more thorough look...

[That Daddy]

Check the cable is not binding mine was coming up on its own as well,messed about with the catch,but it was the cable not returning fully(binding cable)in the end it was getting harder to pull too.

[Ribol]

mav 1 said:

The pull-lever was returned fully, I even jiggled the other end around (by the catch). After a while it seemed to be OK, but then it kept releasing the bonnet at over 80mph. It's a bit disconcerting to have the bonnet pop up at speed.

Time for a more thorough look...

So you have no problem as long as you don't leave the uk then?

As we all know, it would be wrong to exceed the 70mph speed limit

ETA it might be worth checking the pin on the bonnet is not worn, if it is too thin plus a bit of wear on the lock it could cause a problem(assuming you have dismissed the cable/adjustment etc)

Edited by Ribol on Tuesday 24th July 09:45

[black-k1]

mav 1 said:

... but then it kept releasing the bonnet at over 80mph. It's a bit disconcerting to have the bonnet pop up at speed....

I had mine do this. Turned out that the extra ‘blob’ of fibreglass that the pin mounts onto on the bonnet had started to become un-bonded from the rest of the bonnet, allowing the pin to be pulled out of the catch without the catch coming undone. A good helping of Araldite has solved the problem.

[GingaNinga]

My bonnet has popped open but this was due to the fact that the front splitter was missing and the airflow under the car was pushing the bonnet up. The corner without the catch was lifting about 6" and eventually it popped the catch. My cable had been frayed and stretched as it had been doing it for a while, so I got that replaced and the front splitter refitted too and all's been fine since
Not sure if that's any help...
J.

[mav 1]

Ribol said:

mav 1 said:

The pull-lever was returned fully, I even jiggled the other end around (by the catch). After a while it seemed to be OK, but then it kept releasing the bonnet at over 80mph. It's a bit disconcerting to have the bonnet pop up at speed.

Time for a more thorough look...

So you have no problem as long as you don't leave the uk then?

As we all know, it would be wrong to exceed the 70mph speed limit

ETA it might be worth checking the pin on the bonnet is not worn, if it is too thin plus a bit of wear on the lock it could cause a problem(assuming you have dismissed the cable/adjustment etc)

Edited by Ribol on Tuesday 24th July 09:45

The 80mph bit was indeed oversees (just went to Germany for the GP).

There doesn't seem to be any movement in the pin (fibreglass housing on bonnet) and the cable seems to work, but maybe it is a bit sticky. Time to order a new one.

Can't really replace the splitter as I live in a haven for speed-bumps and it wouldn't last long.

Thanks everyone.

Edited by mav 1 on Tuesday 24th July 15:55

[Ribol]

mav 1 said:

There doesn't seem to be any movement in the pin

I meant the diameter of the pin where the lock grips it, mine has a hard plastic tube over the pin to make the diameter larger.

[SimonV8ster]

GingaNinga said:

........the front splitter was missing......

Now you've mentioned that I don't think i've got a front splitter Been doing a bit of chassis prep and painting but don't remember seeing one !!

Anybody know if they're easy to get hold of ??

[GingaNinga]

Yep, very easy. I get through about 3 a year - £15 parts and fitted (usually done with a service or just before Le Mans though)

[mav 1]

Ribol said:

mav 1 said:

There doesn't seem to be any movement in the pin

I meant the diameter of the pin where the lock grips it, mine has a hard plastic tube over the pin to make the diameter larger.

There is a plastic tube over the pin, but it looks like it's been chewed by a dog. I'll try and find a replacement.

Thanks.