Description
What is lubricating the bonnet hinge all about?
The bonnet of a vehicle is a movable panel that covers the engine. Hinges hold the bonnet to the rest of the vehicle. When the bonnet closes, the hinges ensure that the bonnet latches properly in the same position each time.
Keep in mind:
- If the bonnet is not latching properly or the bonnet no longer lines up with the position of the latch, lubrication will not sufficiently fix the problem.
- Lubricating the hinges of the bonnet will make operation smoother and quieter, but will not fix any issues with the hinge’s location or physical damage.
How it’s done:
- Apply grease to the bonnet hinge
Our recommendation:
Any issue with the bonnet or bonnet hinges should be addressed immediately to ensure proper operation and to prevent expensive repairs in the future. By the time the lubricant or grease has worn out on the bonnet hinge to the point of needing replacement, it is likely that other moving points on the outside of the vehicle have suffered similar wear and tear. Inspect the latch mechanism of the bonnet, the hinges on the doors, and the hinges holding the trunk lid to the vehicle to assess if they could use lubrication as well. Excess friction in hinges causes them to wear out prematurely and can cause real issues down the road.
What are the common symptoms indicating you need to lubricate the bonnet hinge?
- Difficulty opening or closing the bonnet
- Squeaking noise when the bonnet is opened or closed
- Multiple attempts were required to properly close the bonnet
- Bonnet gets stuck when opening or closing
How important is this service?
This service is moderately important and is mostly done as preventative maintenance. In extreme situations, jammed or seized bonnet hinges can prevent access to the engine compartment. If the issue is with the latching mechanism of the bonnet, then the service is more crucial. If the bonnet does not latch properly, there is a chance that it could open while the vehicle is in motion.
