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Hi,
My hood struts have worn so the hood comes down within a few seconds...
What could be used as an adequate support to keep the hood propped up?
(and a safe to prop it against in the engine bay?)
In a pinch, say at a salvage yard, I'll use a good vice grip pliers clamped at the point below.
I've temporarily used an appropriately sized broom stick lodged in the engine compartment.
Though, it's best to spend the $20 to get a new set.
The last thing you need, while tackling a tough repair job, is an occipital craniotomy by hood.
In a pinch, say at a salvage yard, I'll use a good vice grip pliers clamped at the point below.
I've temporarily used an appropriately sized broom stick lodged in the engine compartment.
Though, it's best to spend the $20 to get a new set.
The last thing you need, while tackling a tough repair job, is an occipital craniotomy by hood.
The thing is the mechanics I've asked won't use these $20 parts. They will not accept us providing parts.
The thing is the mechanics I've asked won't use these $20 parts. They will not accept us providing parts.
As long as you have 1 small flat-head screwdriver, you can change these struts yourself in about 20 minutes. It's probably one of the easiest things ever to change on a car.
Use the flathead to pry the spring clip off then pull the strut end off the ball. Repeat for opposite side, now the old strut is off. Installation is doing the reverse operations.
Now your hood won't knock you unconscious
As long as you have 1 small flat-head screwdriver, you can change these struts yourself in about 20 minutes. It's probably one of the easiest things ever to change on a car.
Use the flathead to pry the spring clip off then pull the strut end off the ball. Repeat for opposite side, now the old strut is off. Installation is doing the reverse operations.
Now your hood won't knock you unconscious
What do you recommend I use to keep the hood supported through this process?
(Don't want it to come down by using something inadequate )
In a pinch, say at a salvage yard, I'll use a good vice grip pliers clamped at the point below.
I've temporarily used an appropriately sized broom stick lodged in the engine compartment.
Though, it's best to spend the $20 to get a new set.
The last thing you need, while tackling a tough repair job, is an occipital craniotomy by hood.
What do you recommend I use to keep the hood supported through this process?
(Don't want it to come down by using something inadequate )
Do you have vise grip pliers?
Open the hood and clamp it on one of the struts to keep it from compressing, while you change the other one.
If you do both struts, the hood should stay open to do the second one.
You don't need a 2X4 if you're going that route---got an old broomstick or mop handle? Got a saw to cut it to the right length?
A pair of cheap vise grips will serve you better.
Thanks, I just want to make sure that I don't use something inadequate for the weight, and it comes crashing down in a few minutes...
have brooms, hiking stick (this might work??), but i though a broom might too skinny, or can wobble out
looks like something at the struts themselves maybe safest... vise grips or that other gadget...both are similar in price
Tie a clothesline to the hood catch, run it over the roof and tie it to the tow loop under the trunk.
(I would have suggested using the sunroof, but I thought it might be overly complicated to explain how to open/close it)...
Thanks, I just want to make sure that I don't use something inadequate for the weight, and it comes crashing down in a few minutes...
FYI for the OP, the first Helms diagram shows how to remove / replace the hood strut, should you elect to do this.
This second Helms diagram below offers an alternative in holding the hood up, when performing repairs, though I believe the
strut has to be functional in order for this method to work.
Good Luck.
FYI for the OP, the first Helms diagram shows how to remove / replace the hood strut, should you elect to do this.
This second Helms diagram below offers an alternative in holding the hood up, when performing repairs, though I believe the
strut has to be functional in order for this method to work.
Good Luck.
The know-it-all answers don't help.
We come to the forums to discuss and learn something. There's a handful that sour that experience.
Can't say I blame them
It's sort of the equivalent to asking how to prop open a door. Find anything you can.
I've used my snow brush to prop the hood open when the struts were weak in the cold.
I've used a headlight bracket to prop the hood open at the junk yard.
I've used vise grips to hold it open as well.
I like to use the windshield washer "indent" on the engine cover (if you still have engine covers) to hold the item you're using to prop the hood.
Good luck! Be safe and give the hood a wiggle test to make sure your prop won't fall over.
Last edited by guitarplayer16; 07-25-2022 at 10:38 PM.
Fixing it is relatively cheap and easy. The vice grip idea is pretty good and I've had many people recommend it before but I'd be scared it would slip off and drop the hood. But you can always do what I did and use a wooden broomstick handle or just push it up with your head while working.
Search YouTube for "acura TL replace hood struts" and you'll find a ton of great vids to walk you through. I've done these on several TL's and don't think I used any hood supports. Just supported it with one hand and popped the clip and old strut out. It honestly only takes a couple of mins per strut. Also, if you don't own vice grips and live near a Harbor Freight Tools, just get a set there. Very inexpensive even when compared to Amazon prices.
Note that if the old struts are on there, you just let the hood come down softly onto your head/shoulder and hold it. It is not that heavy. Its how I changed mine out without anyone else helping. It only hurts if you let the hood drop on you. Resting it on you won't hurt you and it isn't hard to hold it open without using your hands. You now have the detailed instructions since someone posted screenshots. Don't over think it, just go get it done.
Note that if the old struts are on there, you just let the hood come down softly onto your head/shoulder and hold it. It is not that heavy. Its how I changed mine out without anyone else helping. It only hurts if you let the hood drop on you. Resting it on you won't hurt you and it isn't hard to hold it open without using your hands. You now have the detailed instructions since someone posted screenshots. Don't over think it, just go get it done.
@Jackass , you were waaaaay too nice! NONE of this is rocket science. I understand caution and fear, but this thread was completely ridiculous...
The question is obviously assuming there is no one else around.
I used my head/should to hold up the hood getting in the new struts. Was not a problem, like someone said, this takes ~20 minutes. My struts came from Amazon, ~$14/pair. They work fine after a year of use.
07-25-2022, 02:24 AM
