Bodywork > Lubricate the bonnet lock on Defender
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Lubricate the bonnet lock on Defender

Lubricate the bonnet lock on Defender
Vehicle ➔ Defender 90 Td4 2013
Difficulty ➔ Easy
Difficulté
Time ➔ 15 minutes
Summary
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Positioned at the front of the Defender, the bonnet lock is highly exposed, not only to splashes of rainwater, but also to splashes of salt water (when we follow a vehicle in winter).
Positioned at the front of the Defender, the bonnet lock is highly exposed, not only to splashes of rainwater, but also to splashes of salt water (when we follow a vehicle in winter).
Over time, the catch tends to seize up, the striker remains stuck and the bonnet refuses to open.
The only method to prevent the bonnet from jamming is to lubricate the lock regularly.
For lubricating the lock, we use WD40 spray grease. It is a grease that is fluid enough to penetrate the mechanism of the lock. In addition, it has very strong adhesion, does not drip and is water resistant.
For lubricating the lock, we use WD40 spray grease. It is a grease that is fluid enough to penetrate the mechanism of the lock. In addition, it has very strong adhesion, does not drip and is water resistant.
What to do when the bonnet is closed and the lock remains stuck ?
What to do when the bonnet is closed and the lock remains stuck ?
Unfortunately, for safety reasons, when the bonnet is closed the lock cannot be removed.
Only one method works : spray a good dose of penetrating oil on the lock (between the bonnet and the radiator grille top panel) and wait until the next day to allow it time to work.
If it doesn't work the first time, continue until it does.
How does a lock work ?
The bonnet lock is composed of :
The bonnet lock is composed of :
  • A striker (1st photo) attached to the bonnet.
  • A catch (2nd photo) attached under the radiator grille top panel.
Bonnet lock striker Land Rover Defender
Bonnet lock catch Land Rover Defender
When closing the bonnet, the striker enters the catch and is locked.
When closing the bonnet, the striker enters the catch and is locked.
Assembled Land Rover Defender bonnet lock
Catch operation :
Catch operation :
  • When the bonnet is closed, the catch is held in the locked position by the action of the spring (1st photo)
  • When opening the bonnet, the catch is unlocked by the action of the release cable (2nd photo).
Defender bonnet lock catch closed
Land Rover Defender bonnet lock catch open
It is this locking system that tends to seize up.
It is this locking system that tends to seize up.
Required Tools
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Open the bonnet
Op 01

Activate the bonnet release lever. Pull by hand.

When unlocking, the bonnet will lift slightly due to the action of the striker spring.
When unlocking, the bonnet will lift slightly due to the action of the striker spring.
Defender bonnet release pull
Defender bonnet release lever
Unlock the bonnet on Defender
Op 02

Unlock the bonnet safety hook. Rotate it by hand.

Land Rover Defender bonnet latch hook
Unlock the Defender bonnet latch hook
Lift the Defender's bonnet
Op 03

Open the bonnet. Lift by hand.
Position the bonnet stay.

Unlock the bonnet stay on Defender
Position the bonnet stay
Defender bonnet stay location
Land Rover Defender bonnet open
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Lubricate the lock
Op 04

Lubricate the striker. Use spray grease.

Lubricate the axis located in the center of the spring (2nd photo).
Lubricate the axis located in the center of the spring (2nd photo).
Lubricate the Defender bonnet striker
Lubricate the Defender bonnet striker
Op 05

Lubricate the bonnet safety hook. Use spray grease.

Operate the hook several times so that the grease penetrates the articulation axis (2nd photo).
Operate the hook several times so that the grease penetrates the articulation axis (2nd photo).
Lubricate the Defender's bonnet latch hook
Activate the bonnet latch hook on Land Rover Defender
Op 06

Lubricate the catch. Use spray grease.

Operate the release cable several times so that the grease penetrates the mechanism (2nd photo).
Operate the release cable several times so that the grease penetrates the mechanism (2nd photo).
Lubricate the Defender bonnet catch
Activate the Defender bonnet catch
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Close the bonnet
Op 07

Fold down and lock the bonnet stay.

Fold down the bonnet stay on Defender
Defender bonnet stay folded down
Op 08

Close the bonnet

To lock the bonnet, place it a few centimeters from the  radiator grille top panel and simply let it fall. There is no need to press on the bonnet to close it.
To lock the bonnet, place it a few centimeters from the radiator grille top panel and simply let it fall. There is no need to press on the bonnet to close it.
However, I don't know if this precept is valid when you have a spare wheel attached to the bonnet...
However, I don't know if this precept is valid when you have a spare wheel attached to the bonnet...
In the closed position, the bonnet does not come into contact with the  radiator grille top panel. It is positioned a few millimeters above (3rd photo).
In the closed position, the bonnet does not come into contact with the radiator grille top panel. It is positioned a few millimeters above (3rd photo).
Drop the Defender's bonnet
Defender bonnet closed
Space between bonnet and  radiator grille top panel on Defender
The End

The bonnet lock is lubricated. This is a simple operation to perform that avoids unpleasant surprises.
Please feel free to ask a question or to write a comment at the bottom of the page if you wish.

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