Bonnet Catch

[pdavison]

The passenger side bonnet catch on my S3 is not holding the bonnet down because the catch is not springing back to grip the bonnet spring (does that make sense ???). Anyone experienced this ? Anyone got any ideas how I might fix it ?

All help greatfully received !

[Roy C]

quote:The passenger side bonnet catch on my S3 is not holding the bonnet down because the catch is not springing back to grip the bonnet spring (does that make sense ???). Anyone experienced this ? Anyone got any ideas how I might fix it ?

All help greatfully received !

I assume that you mean that the "guillotine" is not closing.
It could be lack of lubrication (WD40 then grease it) or a broken spring or something jamming it.
The passenger side catch is a pain (on my S2) because one of the two mounting bolts is also used to mount the fuse panel.

Roy



Edited by Roy C on Monday 15th October 09:41

[Paul V]

I had a problem with the passenger side releasing when I went over bumps, I adjusted the lock on the bonnet side so I hold it tighter, then greased the latch. It seems to have done the trick, while I was there I adjusted the boot to get it to sit down more.

[Dave_H]

I had a simular problem on mine except for mine wouldnt open on one side due to the bonnet sitting too far back on one side. I just adjusted it from the bonnet hinges then it was fine.

[RichB]

I found that the pins on the nose could work loose causing mis-alighnment with the hole in the body. I spent a few hours (yes it was that fiddly) tightening them up and re-adjusting the seating action to get the gaps right, I adjusted the hinges at the fornt at the same time to try to get it all perfect. Warning it's one of those jobs! Rich...

[pdavison]

Thanks guys ! Looks like I now have something to do this evening (and tomorrow evening by the sounds of things).

I'll let you know how I get on...

[RichB]

p.s. What I meant by gaps was the shut line between the bonnet and the wheel arch. The gap is controlled (and adjusted) by the length of pin seating into/onto the guillotine (as Roy calls it). The pin is threaded can be screwed in/out of the bonnet to increase or decrease the gap.

[johno]

This gap I have never been hppy with as to lower to far means that the wiper arm catches the bonnet. Therefor I have to leave it higher than the other side where I have a very nice fit.

It's a real bugger....

[Dave_H]

But apart from all this - we luv em!!

[tvrmark]

You don't own an S if you don't have bonnet catch problems.

mark

[pdavison]

Managed to fix it !

However, I didn't use anything as technical as highlighted here...closed the bonnet by pushing it shut whilst pushing towards the centre of the bonnet at the same time. Probably not a permanent fix, but it was fine all the way to work this morning !

At least when it goes again I've got the info I need to fix it for good (well for a while anyway).

Thanks again for the advice guys.

[Keithyboy]

Another tip - its happened to me when I had an S1 and also on the V8S fairly recently. Check the alignment of the box section brackets on both sides of the chassis where the bonnet hinges are mounted. If the sections are not fully square then you will always struggle to get the bonnet properly set up. Just a gentle nudge into the front of your pride and joy in a tight car park by someone less careful than yourself could be enough to throw one or both sides "out of true". With the S1 - I got a friend of a friend to make me two replacement box sections of thicker gauge steel and weld them in place - after carefully refitting the bonnet and lining it up (this job takes two with patience!) I had no further problems. Looks like I'll have to do the same thing again with the V8S (and be more selective where I park in future!)

[SteveOS3]

I just had one of those low speed nudges on the front and disturbed the bonnet hinge box section. Everything has been sorted but when refitting the bonnet catches the nearside catchplate/guillotine has become stuck in the open position.

It worked ok twice but on the third try it wouldn't open. I slackened the hinges and jiggled until the catch came free but the catchplate is now stuck as per the photo.

It moves back slightly when pulling the release lever but won't go back to the original position. I've given a few light taps and squirt of WD but no success.

Any ideas how the catch is removed as there doesn't appear to be any way in....



Cheers,

Steve

[phillpot]

These are the retaining bolts, accessed from below...............

[GreenV8S]

The catches are screwed down from inside the footwell. If you have one of the cars with a solid inner panel, there should be an opening at the top. If not, you'll need to create your own.

[magpies]

I believe you can remove all the sealant and then unbolt from footwell. Can then be uncoupled/cleaned/ relubricated and refitted. Others may tell you if it can be done in situ. I've not done this job.

[v8s4me]

Before you do anything too drastic, scrape away all that silicone. It can easily gum up the sliding piece so that it sticks like yours has.

[Blue 30]

I didn't need to remove mine (1990 S3) but I could see one of the catch bolts hiding inside the side panel, that's looking inside & up from the big round hole where the heater/air hoses go.
You'll need to do your exercises first, and double jointed wrists to reach em !
T.

[SteveOS3]

Many thanks all.

I’ll get the sealant out of the way tomorrow and hope there’s access from the footwell..... took a look earlier and it appeared to be solid🤔

[v8s4me]

I posted on this a few years ago ...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
You'll find a couple of good quality dental type picks handy and much cheaper than an osteopath

Edited by v8s4me on Sunday 30th August 23:45