Exterior Most liked posts in thread: Hood / Bonnet won't latch

  1. myles2go

    myles2go Active Member

    May 7, 2012
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    I just had this problem with my wife R61. The drivers side latch was all gummed up to the point that the spring could not move the latching component. I sprayed it down with a lubricant and used a screwdriver to work the mechanism until it was moving freely.
     
  2. eMINIparts

    eMINIparts Well-Known Member
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    Mar 13, 2012
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    Lube Lube Lube your latches. We have noticed that these things start to hang up as they age. We get a lot of corrosion up here and end up replacing a lot of hood latches. Start with the lube.
     
  3. Sully

    Sully Administrator
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    Jul 21, 2015
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    Ok - so I was able to fix it. Essentially a little cleaning, WD40 and slight adjustment of the rubber stopper and all fixed. :)
     
  4. Sully

    Sully Administrator
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    So, did some more work on this and it appears my hood isn't closing far enough or I need to adjust where the catch is. I made a quick video of it.



    Initially I was thinking I would adjust the rubber stop. However when I push it down further it hits the wheel arch.. actually it looks like it's already hitting the wheel arch. Now I'm researching if there is a way to adjust the catch.
     
  5. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    Other then lubing it up. Check that the release in the drivers compartment returned all the way back.
     
  6. Sully

    Sully Administrator
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    OK - will do.
     
  7. Sully

    Sully Administrator
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    Lube it is.. assume clean, then WD40. Will give that a shot.
     
  8. vetsvette

    vetsvette MINI Alliance Ambassador

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    #9 vetsvette, Apr 11, 2018
    Last edited: Apr 11, 2018
    For a longer lasting solution, I'd recommend white lithium or silicon spray lube. WD40 will eventually leave a shellac like residue.
     
  9. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    "For a longer lasting lube" Nope not going to touch that one!
     
  10. Sully

    Sully Administrator
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    Good point - was planning on that. I use it on the RZR's all the time. Last way better especially when in water etc. Waiting to have a buddy of mine who owns a bike shop come and lube the cable.