bonnet catch cable adjustment

[fitz]

My passenger side bonnet catch sticks, when down it won't open, when open it won't go down..

I've just had a search and am going to see if the cable is seized in its sleeve (when the alarm lets me back in the car - doesn't seem to like this hot weather).

But assuming it needs adjustment, how on earth do you do it, i've just had an attempt a few mins ago with an adjustable wrench and pliers but to no avail!

[ttedj]

I had the same problem. No matter how much I tightened it, I couldn't get it to pull open. To make sure it shuts, you can adjust the "prong" on the bonnnet to ensure it is in the centre of the catch as it shuts. I needed to replace the cable to get it to open as I discovered it was corroded and was stretching slightly.
I used a 1.5mm push bike tandem brake cable (for length) and cut half off a clevis to attach the pull.
Squirted a lot of WD40 through the tube once the cable was out and then oiled the cable a lot before I put it back in.

Used one of these:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWNX:IT

and cut one side off - you will see why once you look at the bonnet pull. Easy to see if you remove the trim panel and then unbolt the fuse holder. Allowed me to use the barrel end of the brake cable against this and very easy to insert.
A 30 minute job. Bonnet now closes and opens perfectly
ted

[fitz]

thanks ttedj,

i'm hoping it won't come to that, from comparing it with the working side, it seems that the catch isn't closed enough, so the cable needs to be let out a little, but i just can't seem to get enough access/ work out how to slacken off the brass bolt/carrier that the cable is adjusted by..

[ttedj]

11/32 ratchet spanner for access as I was also struggling. Ended up ordering one off ebay. Not cheap but so much easier.
If you do end up replacing the passenger side cable, keep it as cut down it is a good spare for the drivers side.
Ted

[fitz]

11/32 ratchet spanner for access as I was also struggling. Ended up ordering one off ebay. Not cheap but so much easier.
If you do end up replacing the passenger side cable, keep it as cut down it is a good spare for the drivers side.
Ted

fantastic, will check out wilco tonight if not will order one! many thanks you've save my knuckles and the paint in the engine bay!

[texas2201]

Think I have the same problem but now cannot get the bonnet open on the passenger side - help any tips or advice

[AndyC]

Have you pulled the lever and found only the right hand side goes up? Or
Pulled the lever with the right hand side up?
If it's the latter, push the RHS back down and try again, the catches seem to need to work in unison.

If it's the former you may find you can achieve it by pulling the cable directly rather than the lever, you may just get enough cable movement to open it that way.

[texas2201]

pulled the lever and only the right/drivers side comes up - tried pushing it down and tried again Several times - no go

[texas2201]

do you mean pull the cable from behind the lever? Dont think I can get my hands in there?

[AndyC]

But if you unbolt the lever you can get there with some vice grips.

[texas2201]

OK but the last time I did that it was a real faff and the lever broke...........and I had to get a replacement - cheers Steve I will look at it next weekend - it is SORN at the moment - I just wanted to check all the fluids

[Tanz]

I have one side that sticks sometimes. If I pull the lever and hold it in the pulled out position - then get someone to thump the bonnet above the catch with their hand and it opens.

[texas2201]

Thanks Phil I tried that one - but I will try it again at the weekend

[Tanz]

On mine, the cable sticks in the sleeve preventing the sprung part of the catch returning. I have squirted WD40 down the sleeve but no good. If the cable is sticking in the sleeve, does that mean it is fraying and about to snap?

[ttedj]

Mine was sticking in the sleeve, but once I removed it, wasn't frayed at all. Possibly could have cleaned it and used again however now replaced with a thinner tandem bike brake cable. had to make a clevis to attach to the handle though. No problems so far.

Ted