Lubricate Hood Hinge Service Cost Breakdown
At our service rate of$125 per hour, here's what you can expect to pay for hood hinge lubrication:
Basic Hood Hinge Lubrication
• Standard service time: 15-20 minutes
• Estimated cost:$31.25 - $41.67
• Includes: Basic cleaning and lubrication of both hood hinges
Thorough Hood Hinge Service
• Service time: 30-45 minutes
• Estimated cost:$62.50 - $93.75
• Includes: Deep cleaning, rust removal, full lubrication, and hinge adjustment if needed
Complete Hood Hinge Maintenance
• Service time: 45-60 minutes
• Estimated cost:$93.75 - $125.00
• Includes: Deep cleaning, rust removal, lubrication, full hinge adjustment, and preventative maintenance
Note: These prices are labor-only estimates. Additional costs may apply for specialized lubricants or replacement parts if needed. Severe rust or damage may require additional time and services.
How to Lubricate Hood Hinges
Lubricating your hood hinges is an important maintenance task that helps prevent squeaking and ensures smooth operation. Here's the step-by-step procedure:
Required Materials:- Penetrating lubricant (like WD-40)
- White lithium grease
- Clean rags
- Wire brush (optional)
1. Prepare the Area
Open the hood and secure it properly. Clean the hinge areas with a rag to remove any visible dirt or debris.
2. Initial Cleaning
Spray penetrating lubricant on both hood hinges to help loosen any rust or built-up grime. Let it sit for a few minutes.
3. Clean the Hinges
Use a wire brush or rag to remove any loosened dirt and old lubricant. Wipe the areas clean with a fresh rag.
4. Apply New Lubricant
Apply white lithium grease to all moving parts of the hinges. Make sure to get into all pivot points.
5. Work the Mechanism
Open and close the hood several times to work the lubricant into the joints and ensure even distribution.
6. Final Clean-up
Wipe away any excess grease to prevent dirt accumulation and maintain a clean appearance.
Note: This procedure should be performed every 6-12 months, depending on your climate and vehicle usage. More frequent lubrication may be needed in areas with high humidity or salt exposure.
Warning:Always ensure the hood support rod or struts are properly engaged before working under the hood to prevent injury.
Professional service is recommended if you notice any binding, unusual noises, or if the hinges appear damaged or severely corroded.
Understanding Hood Hinge Lubrication
What is Hood Hinge Lubrication
Hood hinge lubrication is a maintenance service that involves applying specialized lubricant to your vehicle's hood hinges, which are the metal components that allow your hood to open and close smoothly.
What Does Hood Hinge Lubrication Do
- Prevents rust and corrosion on hood hinges
- Reduces friction between moving parts
- Ensures smooth hood operation
- Eliminates squeaking and grinding noises
- Extends the life of hood hinges
Why is Hood Hinge Lubrication Important
Regular hood hinge lubrication is essential because these components are exposed to various weather conditions, road debris, and environmental factors that can cause wear and tear. Without proper lubrication, hinges can become stiff, noisy, or even fail completely, making it difficult or impossible to open your hood for routine maintenance.
When Should You Get Hood Hinges Lubricated
We recommend having your hood hinges lubricated:
- During regular maintenance intervals (every 15,000-30,000 miles)
- When you notice squeaking or grinding noises
- If the hood becomes difficult to open or close
- After exposure to harsh weather conditions or road salt
Benefits of Professional Hood Hinge Lubrication:
- Performed by certified technicians
- Uses high-quality, long-lasting lubricants
- Includes inspection of hood latch and safety mechanisms
- Helps prevent costly repairs down the road
- Maintains proper hood function for safety and convenience
Common Failure Symptoms of Hood Hinge Lubrication Issues
Hood Hinge Lubrication - Signs of Failure & Maintenance Schedule
Signs of Hood Hinge Problems
Squeaking or Creaking: One of the most common signs that your hood hinges need lubrication is a squeaking or creaking sound when opening or closing the hood.
Stiff Operation: If the hood becomes difficult to open or close, or requires extra force, this typically indicates dried-out or failing hinge lubrication.
Visible Rust: When you notice rust forming around the hinge areas, this suggests the protective lubricant has worn away, leaving the metal exposed to moisture and oxidation.
Uneven Hood Movement: If the hood doesn't open smoothly or appears to drop unevenly when closing, this could indicate worn or dry hinges.
Recommended Maintenance Schedule
Regular Maintenance: Hood hinges should be lubricated every 12,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.
Environmental Factors: More frequent lubrication may be needed if you live in:
- Coastal areas (salt air exposure)
- Areas with heavy rainfall or humidity
- Regions with significant dust or sand
Preventive Care: It's recommended to inspect hood hinges during every oil change and apply lubricant if you notice any of the above signs, even if it's before the scheduled maintenance interval.
Note: Regular hood hinge maintenance can prevent more serious issues and extend the life of your vehicle's hood mechanism.
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.
