Fitting bonnet struts

Tigermoon · 20th December 2021, 14:57

I'd be very grateful if anyone could advise me as to how to fit new bonnet struts on a ZT. Have looked in the Haynes manual and it's rather vague, ie., 'pull out the spring clip at the bonnet support struts...............', but how? Any suggestions much appreciated.

macafee2 · 20th December 2021, 15:15

from memory, wiggle a screw driver under the side spring clip on the opposite to the strut and prize (is that the correct spelling?) the spring clip off. Be careful it does not spring into oblivion, I think you may even be able to get away with only half removing the spring clip.
The strut will then just pull off the mounting peg. Once you do one you will find it easy

macafee2

Andy_with_a_screwdriver · 20th December 2021, 15:43

Get yourself a broom handle or length of timber about 4ft long to prop open the bonnet whilst a strut is removed.

Southern Star · 20th December 2021, 15:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy_with_a_screwdriver

Get yourself a broom handle or length of timber about 4ft long to prop open the bonnet whilst a strut is removed.

If his bonnet struts need replacing, he's probably got one of those already.

Andy_with_a_screwdriver · 20th December 2021, 16:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Southern Star

If his bonnet struts need replacing, he's probably got one of those already.

Yes, mine lives in the boot....

Southern Star · 20th December 2021, 16:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy_with_a_screwdriver

Yes, mine lives in the boot....

I have the Deluxe version- an aluminium pole from an old rotary washing line.

Must get round to doing mine sometime, where's a good source for them?

SD1too · 20th December 2021, 19:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by macafee2

... and prize (is that the correct spelling?) ...

It's the American spelling Ian. Prise is preferred!

Simon

Southern Star · 20th December 2021, 19:43

Given that all car manufacturers will skimp on the cost of components to the detriment of quality I have no idea why Rover fitted gas struts when a simple steel rod would have done the same job for a fraction of the cost.

KWIL · 21st December 2021, 12:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Southern Star

Given that all car manufacturers will skimp on the cost of components to the detriment of quality I have no idea why Rover fitted gas struts when a simple steel rod would have done the same job for a fraction of the cost.

Just try lifting the R75 bonnet without gas struts fitted and you will then know why!

FrattonEnder · 21st December 2021, 15:19

I've done the bonnet and boot on my ZT with new struts from SGS, along with the boot on my departed Mondeo. Simple to fit and the fact I no longer get a bonnet pin or boot latch in my skull when there's the slightest breeze is an absolute bonus!

20th December 2021, 14:57	#1
Tigermoon Regular poster MG ZT CDT Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Swanland Posts: 37 Thanks: 46 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Fitting bonnet struts I'd be very grateful if anyone could advise me as to how to fit new bonnet struts on a ZT. Have looked in the Haynes manual and it's rather vague, ie., 'pull out the spring clip at the bonnet support struts...............', but how? Any suggestions much appreciated.

21st December 2021, 15:19	#10
FrattonEnder Avid contributor MG ZT Join Date: May 2020 Location: Gloucester Posts: 233 Thanks: 40 Thanked 47 Times in 28 Posts	I've done the bonnet and boot on my ZT with new struts from SGS, along with the boot on my departed Mondeo. Simple to fit and the fact I no longer get a bonnet pin or boot latch in my skull when there's the slightest breeze is an absolute bonus! __________________ Serial Longbridge owner - Rover 213SE, Rover 216GTi, Rover 416 SLi, MG ZS 120+, MG ZT CDTi, MG ZT-T 190. Flies in the ointment - Ford Mondeo Mk4 CDTi Zetec, MINI Cooper 1.6

20th December 2021, 15:15	#2
macafee2 This is my second home Rover 75 Saloon & Tourer Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Lincoln Posts: 14,928 Thanks: 1,630 Thanked 3,032 Times in 2,181 Posts	from memory, wiggle a screw driver under the side spring clip on the opposite to the strut and prize (is that the correct spelling?) the spring clip off. Be careful it does not spring into oblivion, I think you may even be able to get away with only half removing the spring clip. The strut will then just pull off the mounting peg. Once you do one you will find it easy macafee2

20th December 2021, 15:43	#3
Andy_with_a_screwdriver Gets stuck in Rover 75 Tourer CDTi Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Plymouth Posts: 695 Thanks: 141 Thanked 153 Times in 117 Posts	Get yourself a broom handle or length of timber about 4ft long to prop open the bonnet whilst a strut is removed.

20th December 2021, 19:43	#8
Southern Star Loves to post Rover 75 CTDi Contemporary SE Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Stretton-under-Fosse, Warwickshire. Posts: 358 Thanks: 54 Thanked 134 Times in 83 Posts	Given that all car manufacturers will skimp on the cost of components to the detriment of quality I have no idea why Rover fitted gas struts when a simple steel rod would have done the same job for a fraction of the cost.