strange one this - went to open the bonnet - which in fairness hasnt been up for a bit and though the front releases ok i cant raise it more than about 8 inches! It seems as though the hinges are stuck? I havent tried forcing it - i decided to withdraw and seek advice! Tomorrow I am going to give both hinges a good dose of penetrating fluid and try to 'work' them (bonnet up down up down up down etc) seems a bit basic - is there any better solution? is there anything i can do to prevent a repeat? presumably keep it well greased etc? Please help - its MOT time soon!
bonnet hinges jammed! can't get in!
- Thread starter paolow
- Start date
The Rovering Member
Well-Known Member
Sounds an unusual occurence if they have. Are you sure nothings jamming it? Prop the bonnet where it sticks & have a look & if not then give them a dowsing.
thanks guys - I havent tried forcing anything - I know just how well 'just a bit more - just a bit more - just a bit *SNAP*' goes 
I don't THINK antyhing is jamming it - its almost as though one element of the compound hinges isnt working - ie - the hinges work but the scissor action bit (I think) has seized. Ill give it a good dose of WD40 and leave it for a day. If that doesnt work - I might be a bit more stuck. Im worried most of all about damaging the bonnet somehow - or breaking a hinge off the inside of it. I dont really want to drive it to a garage as i cant check the fluids etc without the bonnet open!
I don't THINK antyhing is jamming it - its almost as though one element of the compound hinges isnt working - ie - the hinges work but the scissor action bit (I think) has seized. Ill give it a good dose of WD40 and leave it for a day. If that doesnt work - I might be a bit more stuck. Im worried most of all about damaging the bonnet somehow - or breaking a hinge off the inside of it. I dont really want to drive it to a garage as i cant check the fluids etc without the bonnet open!
Pilkie
Active Member
Just check that it isnt catching on the doors,and then open both of them,then get 2 mates either side of the bonnet hinge end to lift as you lift the front.
If it has seized or a lever gone funny,then the only way is as you say up/down, up/down trying to ease it up,getting at the bonnet hinge bolts is near impossibe unless its open or the wing is off!!
If the top wing to bonnet hinge bracket isnt there,then you could take the wings off and then get at the hinge bolts.
Good luck,I dont envy you the task ahead!
If it has seized or a lever gone funny,then the only way is as you say up/down, up/down trying to ease it up,getting at the bonnet hinge bolts is near impossibe unless its open or the wing is off!!
If the top wing to bonnet hinge bracket isnt there,then you could take the wings off and then get at the hinge bolts.
Good luck,I dont envy you the task ahead!
GrimV8
Active Member
Not uncommon as mostly people overlook lubing the hinges As they're ultra reliable you never open the bonnet often and they seize shut
I've had a fair few come in that have been laid up and they've had to be coaxed open As said you need three sets of hands really. One up front, one either side at the hinge point so as not to stress the easily kinked bonnet :wink: Work it, lube it, let it cool and repeat till you can get more and more access. Best of luck
As they're ultra reliable you never open the bonnet often and they seize shut I've had a fair few come in that have been laid up and they've had to be coaxed open
As said you need three sets of hands really. One up front, one either side at the hinge point so as not to stress the easily kinked bonnet :wink: Work it, lube it, let it cool and repeat till you can get more and more access. Best of luck Update - Well - I gave it a good dose of WD40 this AM and tried 'working' it. I rekon I got it open about a foot which is progress. Have left it to soak a little and will give it a go when I get home. I THINK its only one hinge thats jammed - thats the way it feels anyway.......
Ive only one pair of hands - I might get it open enough to check fluids and then drive it to my mechanic to help. Last thing I want to do is damage the bonnet!
Ive only one pair of hands - I might get it open enough to check fluids and then drive it to my mechanic to help. Last thing I want to do is damage the bonnet!