Hood Latch Assembly
Part Cost:$50 – $100
Labor (1 hour @ $125/hour):$125
Total Estimated Cost:$175 – $225
Hood Latch Cable
Part Cost:$20 – $40
Labor (1 hour @ $125/hour):$125
Total Estimated Cost:$145 – $165
Hood Release Handle
Part Cost:$10 – $20
Labor (0.5 hours @ $125/hour):$62.50
Total Estimated Cost:$72.50 – $82.50
Hood Latch Striker
Part Cost:$25 – $50
Labor (0.5 hours @ $125/hour):$62.50
Total Estimated Cost:$87.50 – $112.50
Primary Latch Mechanism
Inspection:Verify the latch’s smooth movement by manually engaging and disengaging it. Look for dirt, rust, or misalignment.
Repair Procedure:Clean with a mild degreaser, then apply lubricant to enable free movement. Adjust the latch if necessary by loosening bolts and realigning. Replace if worn or severely corroded.
Secondary Safety Catch
Inspection:Move the safety catch by hand to confirm it isn’t seized. Check for bent or damaged components.
Repair Procedure:Remove debris, lightly sand rusty surfaces, and apply penetrating oil. Reattach or replace the spring if it’s stretched or broken. Replace the catch if structural damage is found.
Hood Release Cable
Inspection:Slide the cable within its sheath to confirm smooth operation. Look for kinks or frayed ends.
Repair Procedure:Unhook the cable from the latch and lever, then remove any damaged outer sheath sections. Lubricate or replace the cable if it’s severely worn or broken. Ensure proper routing and reattach both ends securely.
Hood Release Lever
Inspection:Test the lever inside the vehicle; confirm it springs back after pulling. Inspect pivot points for excessive wear.
Repair Procedure:Tighten or replace any loose or damaged fasteners. Clean and lubricate pivot areas. If the lever is cracked or bent, install a new lever assembly.
Latch Return Spring
Inspection:Check spring tension by gently pulling it; ensure it retracts completely without signs of weakness or rust.
Repair Procedure:Clean the spring to remove corrosion, then apply a lightweight lubrication. Replace it if it has lost tension or is broken.
What is a Hood Latch and what does it do
What is a Hood Latch and What Does It Do
Ahood latchis a crucial component of a vehicle's safety and functionality. It is a mechanical device designed to securely hold the hood of a car in place when it is closed. The hood latch ensures that the hood remains shut while driving, preventing it from accidentally opening and obstructing the driver's view or causing damage to the vehicle.
The hood latch typically consists of two main parts: thelatch mechanismand therelease handle. The latch mechanism is usually located at the front of the vehicle, under the hood, and engages with a striker to keep the hood closed. The release handle is often found inside the vehicle, usually near the driver's seat, allowing the driver to open the hood when needed.
In addition to providing safety, the hood latch also allows for easy access to the engine compartment for maintenance and repairs. By pulling the release handle, the driver can disengage the latch mechanism, allowing the hood to be lifted open.
Overall, the hood latch is an essential component that contributes to the safety, security, and accessibility of a vehicle's engine compartment.
Hood Latch Mechanism
Common Signs of Failure or Repair Needed:
- The hood will not stay shut or pops open unexpectedly.
- Excessive rust, corrosion, or visible damage on the latch assembly.
- Difficulty closing or releasing the hood.
- Grinding or squeaking sounds when engaging or disengaging the latch.
Hood Release Cable
Common Signs of Failure or Repair Needed:
- The hood release handle feels loose or does not spring back.
- Visible fraying, cracking, or damage to the cable housing.
- Inconsistent tension, causing partial hood release or no release at all.
- Delay or no response when pulling the release handle.
Hood Release Handle
Common Signs of Failure or Repair Needed:
- The handle feels loose, spongy, or sticks in the pulled position.
- Cracks or physical damage to the handle itself.
- Inability to fully engage the release mechanism.
- Handle returns slowly or not at all after pulling.
Hood Striker
Common Signs of Failure or Repair Needed:
- Bent or misaligned striker preventing proper latch engagement.
- Excessive wear or visible grooves in the metal.
- Rattling or looseness of the hood while driving.
- The hood latch does not fully close around the striker.
Safety Catch
Common Signs of Failure or Repair Needed:
- The secondary latch does not engage or feels stuck.
- Visible damage or heavy corrosion on the catch.
- Hood easily lifts without releasing the secondary latch.
- Excessive force required to operate the safety catch.
Hood Latch Bracket
Common Signs of Failure or Repair Needed:
- Bent or misaligned bracket causing improper latch alignment.
- Rust or corrosion compromising structural integrity.
- Unusual shifts in the bracket position when opening or closing the hood.
- Cracks or fractures in the metal around mounting points.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
