Body - Excessive Force Required to Close and Latch Hood: Overview

9233mercedes01

REF. NO. MBNA 88/15


TO:
OUR MERCEDES-BENZ PASSENGER CAR DEALERS

DATE:
March 1992


SUBJECT:
MODEL 140
EXCESSIVE FORCE REQUIRED TO CLOSE AND LATCH HOOD.

If a Model 140 requires excessive force to close and latch the hood, there could be damage to the hood, to its hinges or to the latches.

This SI reviews the correct procedure to adjust the hood for an accurate fit and secure latch. The hood safety catch is not affected.


First, check whether the hood is correctly adjusted.

The fit should be checked:

A. Lengthwise,
B. Side-to-side,
C. For height, front and rear, and
D. For preload, all as described below.


Warning:
After all hood adjustments are completed, make certain the hood safety catch still works securely.





A. Checking hood adjustment lengthwise

The front edge of the hood should be even with the front edge of the turn signal cutout.





B. Checking hood adjustment side-to-side

Both sides should be even and approx. 5 mm (0.2 in.) from the fenders' inner edges. Use feeler gauge 129 589 03 21 00 to measure this gap.





Special tool





C. Checking hood height, front and rear

Checking hood height, front

The height of the front hood edge should be even with the height of the top edge of the turn signal cutout.





Checking hood height, rear

The rear surface of the hood should be even with the top surface of the fender.





D. Checking hood preload.

The rubber tip of the front hood stop (3) should be turned out three full turns after the rubber tip first contacts the hood frame. Secure each rubber tip in place with its locknut (2).

See preload adjustment procedure.