On domestic cars, the so-called poker gives a certain discomfort to many - the metal emphasis of the hood. On most foreign cars, such a primitive device has not been observed for a long time, but, on the contrary, a gas shock absorber is used. Do not confuse these products with suspension elements.
What is this and why?
These details will make the process of opening or closing the hood more smooth. The mechanism is able to reliably hold the hood at any angle without the need for a standard holder. These stops will help to fix this element of the body in the open.
Installing shock absorbers on the hood offers several important advantages. So, the part greatly facilitates the process of maintenance or repair. If there is no particular desire to manually lift the heavy cover of the engine compartment while dirtying clothes, then these stops will be a good acquisition.
Multifunctional equipment
These accessories are multifunctional. They help to fix the hood in the open position, make it possible to refuse to use the "poker", and allow the engine compartment to be closed smoothly and as silently as possible. This is nothing but closers that make the “life” of a car more comfortable and durable. There will be no broken paint and damaged metal structure with them.
Selection rules
The hood shock absorber is a part with a low level of complexity. And the requirements that apply to her are low. But there are still some selection criteria.
The first point is the frequency of use. Some drivers very often open the hood of a car, others less often. This factor plays an important role in the selection of a shock absorber. Here you should think about wear resistance.
Also, before buying, it will be useful to study the technical capabilities of a particular car. When choosing, you should check the length of the product in a compressed form and unclenched - the hoods differ from each other in length and weight. More effective is the installation of shock absorbers on the hood as a pair. Many cars are equipped with vibration isolation. The weight of such hoods is more than it might seem at first glance. Two racks will be able to distribute the load more evenly.
The required length is better to look in the technical documents.
Everything should be indicated there about any mechanisms and details that are used in this model. The same applies to the bonnet stop. Wrong choices can lead to incorrect operation or breakdown.
Length matters
When selecting, be very careful about the length by which the hood shock absorber can open. If it is not enough, the element will not open completely, which is not very convenient when the car requires maintenance.
There are many such cases. Drivers for various reasons purchase products of shorter length. As a result, there is no way to check even the oil levels - the dipstick does not go all the way.
About operation features
In the process of using these products in the winter, it is not recommended to sharply open the hood, without making sure that the car is really warmed up to operating temperatures. If the shock absorber is liquid type, it is necessary to open the hood as smoothly as possible.
This is necessary so that the liquid overflows as slowly as possible.
If the element mounted on the trunk is tight enough, then the hood shock absorber should be softer. This can be explained by the fact that when loading the trunk lid may accidentally close and cause serious harm to the car owner.
Types of hood shock absorbers
Like any other parts and assemblies, these products are also classified. So, the devices are divided by the type of damping and by the working substance inside the shock absorber. There are hydraulic and gas products.
So, the gas shock absorber for the hood is of high quality and durability. In general, they are the most durable. This device can easily serve even more than the car itself. In this case, there will not be even the slightest reason for repair. Naturally, all this is available only with proper operation. Another advantage of the gas is much less dependent on temperature differences. You have to pay for all this. The gas shock absorber for the hood is the most expensive of all.
Oil systems have the lowest price. However, their main minus is the fear of frost.
It will be very difficult to open the hood in the cold, and in the summer there is a risk of being injured, as the hydraulic fluid is compressed and cannot hold the metal weight for too long.
Still distinguish gas-oil equipment. These devices have a completely optimal price and quality. It brings together the advantages and disadvantages of the above two types of products. Despite this, the hood shock absorber of this design is widely used on expensive foreign cars, and on domestic cars.
Speaking of damping, in the case of oil models it is hydraulic. Hydraulic fluid slows down the movement of the rod, while it should be directed only downward.
Is it possible to install shock absorbers on the hood with your own hands?
It is possible and necessary. Installation work a bit. There are finished products for a specific brand of car on sale.
The motorist can only install the mechanism in the hood according to the manufacturer's instructions. Often, everything that is sold is suitable for the seats of car models. It remains only to tighten the part using fasteners.
How to install shock absorbers on the hood?
With the installation of these stops there will be no difficulties. You may need some free time and the skills to work with a power tool. So, for this tuning you should purchase a pair of gas stops. If this is a VAZ car, then you need to know that the equipment from the 10 series is not suitable for old models - they warp the hood. Next, you need to prepare the nuts and washers for the key "13". Keys "13" will need two. An electric drill and an 8 mm drill are also useful. And finally, enamel and a bit of bitumen.
To install the shock absorber of the hood (including VAZ 2109), the first thing they do is raise the hood and support it with an annoying "poker". Then, it is required to make the marking for drilling holes as accurately, clearly and correctly as possible. This step requires maximum care.
The holes should be at a distance of approximately 53 cm from the left and right edges, and between the holes should be approximately 31 cm. The approximate value is indicated due to the fact that all the hoods are different.
Further, the stops are screwed in turn.
This project does not solve the problem of smooth and independent opening of the hood. He just holds the lid. To solve the problem of correct discovery, you will need to conduct several experiments.
In this work, there is an important point - when working alone, it is recommended to first fix the stops on the hood and only then attach them to the body. This is one of the easiest and most affordable installation methods. There is no need to select or manufacture adapters for shock absorbers: the bonnet stops are perfectly mounted under the seats of the struts in the engine compartment.
For classic VAZ models, it is recommended to use not two, but one shock absorber.
Some are even sure that the two stops will tear off the trunk lid. On classic models, the emphasis is put in place of the same poker. But the hole in the engine compartment is slightly drilled, and then pulled with a “13” nut. After the installation is completed, you can enjoy a quality result.
Sensations after tuning
Car enthusiasts claim that it has become very convenient to use the hood: nothing interferes with repair work or maintenance. Now the hood opens more widely. For tall people, this is a good argument. Well, many talk about incredible lightness, because now you can open the hood even with one hand. This is true for female drivers who are versed in cars, and it’s just very convenient.