Bonnet Cable Problem - Page 2

GreyGhost · 2nd April 2007, 23:53

Thanks for that JB. Could it be that in some cases these boxes were installed incorrectly at the factory, as although this issue pops up now and again it is not all that common?
Cables can become detached / broken at the lever, the splitter box, or at the slam panel.

Jules · 3rd April 2007, 00:23

MMm, could be a factory install problem but i have to say the last 40ish ZT / 75's I have checked they have all been in my view the wrong way round!
Most have been face lifts and a few 52 plates & 2003 models.

First pic is where to find your cable divider near the washer bottle filler

You can see my little modification on the single cable (wraps of tape until almost touching the wing) This stops the cable coming out of it's slot.
Another method is to use a cable tie or tie wrap as we called them in the RAF.... they hold the planes together!

Correct orientation of divider block in it's housing

The cable divider box housing on the Pre Face lift models does seem to be better quality and stronger plastic than the face lifts!!!
Again a case of making the later models CHEAPER???

Oh and by the way if anybody's cable release is a bit stiff and you are scared to pull that lever to check everything........ wait untill engine is hot! Seems to be easier to open bonnet when components are warm.
DO THE SIMPLE MODS NOW BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!

GreyGhost · 3rd April 2007, 00:28

Thanks for the heads up JB best to check then.

rover · 3rd April 2007, 10:51

I suffered the Jammed Bonnet problem twice in 6 months although I had Cable tied the Junction Box & regularly greased the Bonnet Locks.
On checking a little further I found that the two retaining bolts on each Bonnet Lock were tightened so that the rotating discs inside were very stiff. As an exercise I tightened these bolts a little further & found that this completely seized the locks so that no amount of pulling on the handle would activate the locks.
The remedy was to set the bolts at a low torque & apply Nutloc so that they will not move, the locks now rotate very easily.
I suspect that these bolts were torqued up the same as the 13 that retain the Grille to the Slam Panel on build,as I purchased the car new & had never had reason to touch these previously. I think this could contribute to the high incidence of Jammed Bonnets we see reported.
If these bolts are overtightened no amount of greasing will overcome the problem.

black olive · 3rd April 2007, 11:50

mm, time to check my locks and cables I think, my bonnet release does feel a bit stiff, and dont want the hassle of it breaking

JohnDotCom · 3rd April 2007, 14:16

Useful Info Rover, will have a look at that as even though cables renewed and Cable tied box as well as all greased, I still pull it (lever) with wonder as it sems so tight and no positive release.

Jules · 5th April 2007, 09:10

Yes Rover I can second your findings about the tightness of the 4 bolts on the 2 bonnet catches.

I've now managed to get my pics on of my simple bonnet release mods
See a few posts backwards. JB

GreyGhost · 5th April 2007, 10:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by julesbass

Yes Rover I can second your findings about the tightness of the 4 bolts on the 2 bonnet catches.

I've now managed to get my pics on of my simple bonnet release mods
See a few posts backwards. JB

Thanks again JB, very useful and helpful pics and instructions.
Thanks to everybody else for their input too.
Preventive maintainence is always best

BTW I though aeroplanes were held together with evostick and cellotape, learn something new every day.

Jules · 5th April 2007, 14:28

BODGE TAPE is another great fixing material with the Military

black olive · 5th April 2007, 20:44

Done today- thanks

5th April 2007, 09:10	#17
Jules This is my second home ZT 260 SE Twilight and 10 other 75 ZT's :O Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Conwy NORTH WALES Posts: 11,094 Thanks: 512 Thanked 1,116 Times in 763 Posts	Pics Added Yes Rover I can second your findings about the tightness of the 4 bolts on the 2 bonnet catches. I've now managed to get my pics on of my simple bonnet release mods See a few posts backwards. JB

2nd April 2007, 23:53	#11
GreyGhost Banned 180+ Sport Auto Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Bedford Middle Level Posts: 17,787 Thanks: 0 Thanked 18 Times in 5 Posts	Thanks for that JB. Could it be that in some cases these boxes were installed incorrectly at the factory, as although this issue pops up now and again it is not all that common? Cables can become detached / broken at the lever, the splitter box, or at the slam panel.

3rd April 2007, 00:23	#12
Jules This is my second home ZT 260 SE Twilight and 10 other 75 ZT's :O Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Conwy NORTH WALES Posts: 11,094 Thanks: 512 Thanked 1,116 Times in 763 Posts	MMm, could be a factory install problem but i have to say the last 40ish ZT / 75's I have checked they have all been in my view the wrong way round! Most have been face lifts and a few 52 plates & 2003 models. First pic is where to find your cable divider near the washer bottle filler You can see my little modification on the single cable (wraps of tape until almost touching the wing) This stops the cable coming out of it's slot. Another method is to use a cable tie or tie wrap as we called them in the RAF.... they hold the planes together! Correct orientation of divider block in it's housing The cable divider box housing on the Pre Face lift models does seem to be better quality and stronger plastic than the face lifts!!! Again a case of making the later models CHEAPER??? Oh and by the way if anybody's cable release is a bit stiff and you are scared to pull that lever to check everything........ wait untill engine is hot! Seems to be easier to open bonnet when components are warm. DO THE SIMPLE MODS NOW BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!

3rd April 2007, 00:28	#13
GreyGhost Banned 180+ Sport Auto Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Bedford Middle Level Posts: 17,787 Thanks: 0 Thanked 18 Times in 5 Posts	Thanks for the heads up JB best to check then.

3rd April 2007, 10:51	#14
rover Loves to post Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Staffs/Derbyshire Border Posts: 285 Thanks: 19 Thanked 29 Times in 14 Posts	I suffered the Jammed Bonnet problem twice in 6 months although I had Cable tied the Junction Box & regularly greased the Bonnet Locks. On checking a little further I found that the two retaining bolts on each Bonnet Lock were tightened so that the rotating discs inside were very stiff. As an exercise I tightened these bolts a little further & found that this completely seized the locks so that no amount of pulling on the handle would activate the locks. The remedy was to set the bolts at a low torque & apply Nutloc so that they will not move, the locks now rotate very easily. I suspect that these bolts were torqued up the same as the 13 that retain the Grille to the Slam Panel on build,as I purchased the car new & had never had reason to touch these previously. I think this could contribute to the high incidence of Jammed Bonnets we see reported. If these bolts are overtightened no amount of greasing will overcome the problem.

3rd April 2007, 11:50	#15
black olive I really should get out more....... 260 SE vin 214 ( last mark 1 260 ) Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Lancashire Posts: 2,009 Thanks: 1 Thanked 8 Times in 4 Posts	mm, time to check my locks and cables I think, my bonnet release does feel a bit stiff, and dont want the hassle of it breaking

3rd April 2007, 14:16	#16
JohnDotCom * Rover 75 FaceLift Tourer CDTi 170BHP Auto ConnSE 2005 Model Starlight Silver Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Abergele Posts: 28,735 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts	Useful Info Rover, will have a look at that as even though cables renewed and Cable tied box as well as all greased, I still pull it (lever) with wonder as it sems so tight and no positive release.

5th April 2007, 14:28	#19
Jules This is my second home ZT 260 SE Twilight and 10 other 75 ZT's :O Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Conwy NORTH WALES Posts: 11,094 Thanks: 512 Thanked 1,116 Times in 763 Posts	BODGE TAPE is another great fixing material with the Military

5th April 2007, 20:44	#20
black olive I really should get out more....... 260 SE vin 214 ( last mark 1 260 ) Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Lancashire Posts: 2,009 Thanks: 1 Thanked 8 Times in 4 Posts	Done today- thanks