How To – Mounting Bonnet Struts, Done on a GT4 but same principle for ST and GT Options

[3TST]

How To – Mounting Bonnet Struts
Tools:

12mm socket
10mm socket
10mm spanner
Screwdriver

Time:@20-30 minutes

Here is the package I received.

Lift bonnet and use the bonnet stay to keep it up.
Start at the right side of the engine bay (as you face the engine from in front of the car).
Although instructions were provided, I found it easier by doing the following:
Procedure:

1. Remove the retaining clip from the bonnet strut
2. Attach the replacement bolt/pivot to the bonnet strut
3. Replace the retaining clip
Note: It’s a lot easier doing it this way because, once mounted, you will not be able to get that clip in.

4. Undo the bolt in the wing that holds the rubber bonnet stop (10mm socket)

5. Place the 2 washers (supplied) into position and then screw the bolt/pivot into position (10mm spanner)
Note: Be careful not to strip the thread, it’s a little fiddly so just take your time and be patient

6. Remove the retaining clip from the other end of the bonnet strut
7. Attach the replacement plate/pivot to the bonnet strut
8. Replace the retaining clip
Note: It’s a lot easier doing it this way because, once mounted, you will not be able to get that clip in.
9. Remove the upper bolt of the bonnet hinge (12mm socket)
10. Place the plate/pivot (not marked – see note below) into position and using the original bolt secure in place (12mm socket). You may need to lift and support the bonnet in order for the original bolt to locate properly.

Note: Make sure that you have the right plate/pivot for that side. One plate/pivot had a sticker on it marked ‘R’, the other had no sticker or marking. The ‘R’ refers to the right BUT is as you sit in the car looking forward.
The following picture shows one reason why I attached the plate/pivot to the strut first.

11.That’s one side done.

11. Repeat steps 1 – 10 for the other side.
Note: The only difference I found was that I had to remove the washer jet tube located by the bonnet hinge.



13. Once you have done both sides, you can remove the bonnet stay. It’s retained in the slam panel by a round plastic clip.
• Manoeuvre the stay towards you
• Wiggle it around a bit and it should easily pop out, leaving the round plastic clip in the slam panel
• Remove the plastic clip by easing it out with a screwdriver.

14. Job done.

This post has been edited by 3TST: Jan 17, 2009 - 2:05 PM

[ZGear]

Here's the specs for the hood dampers for those who wants to attempt making your own: *You don't have to follow the way it mounts neccesary if you can custom fabricate.*

As far as how much force they produce, I can not tell you as I am not able to compress them by hand without damaging them. They both should hold the weight of the hood, but with enough ease should easily compress with the weight of the hood closing. Don't recall how much the oem hoods weigh.

At full extension the height is 20.75 inches. At fully compressed height it gives way to 13.5 inches to 14 inches.
1.

The top portion that stays stationary with the strut is 3.5 inches / diameter of .477 inch / circumference of 1.5 inch
2.

The black gas strut is 8.75 inches / diameter of .716 inch / circumference of 2.25 inches
3.

The bottom extender portion is 8.5 inches / diameter of .318 inch / circumference of 1 inch
4.

The bottom extension shaft is .5 inch before it hits the ball joint. The ball joint is .637 inch in diameter with a circumference of 2 inches.
5.

Top Stationary Ball Joint (same spec as number 2) the ball joint is also .637 inch in diameter with a circumference of 2 inches.
6.

Adapter Plate: Bottom=1.25 inch / Left side=2 inches / Top=1.5 inch / Right side before it bends=1 1/16 inch / Bottom of flap=.5 inch / Right side of flap=.75 inch
7.

10 Mil Bolt with a ball joint that fits just about the same size as the bolt. Same thing as the adapter plate ball joint.
8.

Metal Clips inserts into the ball joint of the extension arms and holds the bolt ball joint or adapter plate ball joint into place.
9.

Metal Clip Locking into place. Notice how the extension ball joint has holes for the metal clip to insert.
10.