Car bonnet struts

How to detect a fault of the hood strut

Component serviceability is to be checked by opening and closing the hood, and watching the process. If the hood struts are OK, the hood will open without much effort, and after opening it will remain in raised position. Inspect the component: it should be dry and clean. Fluid leakage from the hood strut is a sure symptom of its failure.

You may notice that the hood strut requires diagnostics by the following symptoms:

• the component does not hold the hood in the raised position;
• the hood cannot be opened completely, the hood strut is jammed.

The reasons of hood strut malfunction

Most often, this component fails due to improper operation. For example, avoid opening the hood in sub-zero temperatures until the engine is fully warmed up. Besides, the hood should open smoothly, without jerks. If you follow these recommendations, both oil and gas hood struts will last for as long as possible.

Besides, improperly chosen components will fail faster. For example, if the hood of your vehicle is too heavy, you will have to install a hood strut with a greater supporting power. Powerful hood struts are also recommended for drivers who often open the hood. Otherwise, the component will be exposed to loads it has not been designed for, and will quickly fail.

Replacing hood strut

If the gas hood strut has failed, it is not repairable. The replacement process is rather simple and short, you can make it on your own.

First, make sure the new component fits your vehicle. Because if the hood strut is too short, you will not be able to open the hood to the full, and, therefore, working in the engine compartment will be more complicated, or even impossible. To know the required length, simply open the hood and measure the distance between the points of the hood strut attachment - this will be the optimal length of the component in the open state. Specialists recommend replacing hood struts in pairs, even if only one of them is faulty.

The replacement procedure is the following:

1. Open the hood lid and prop it with a strong support.
2. Remove the old component. The dismantling process will be slightly different depending on the type of fastening used in your vehicle, and on the design of the component itself. For example, it may be a hinged connection on clips, or a ball end with a screw fastening.
3. Next, install a new component. The installation locations should be treated with a corrosion protection agent to prevent the destructive effect of moisture on the component. It is important to install the new component in the correct position. For example, if the old hood strut was installed piston down, the new one is to be installed in the same way.