If you’re looking to replace the hood on your 2009 Mercedes E350, you’re in luck. The process is relatively simple and can be completed in a few hours with the right tools and materials. However, it’s important to note that this is a job best left to experienced mechanics. If you’re not comfortable working on your car, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
The first step is to gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need a new hood, a set of wrenches, a socket set, a screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. Once you have all of your tools and materials, you can begin the process of removing the old hood. To do this, you will need to first remove the bolts that are holding the hood in place. There are two bolts on each side of the hood, so you will need to remove a total of four bolts. Once the bolts are removed, you can carefully lift the hood off of the car.
With the old hood removed, you can now install the new hood. To do this, you will need to first align the hood with the body of the car. Once the hood is aligned, you can begin tightening the bolts that will hold the hood in place. Once the bolts are tightened, you can close the hood and check to make sure that it is properly aligned and functioning correctly.
Safety Precautions
Before embarking on the hood swap procedure, it is imperative to prioritize your safety by adhering to the following precautions:
### Disconnect the Battery
To eliminate any potential electrical hazards, disconnect the negative terminal of your vehicle’s battery. This crucial step is often overlooked but is absolutely essential to prevent electrical malfunctions or even bodily harm.
### Secure the Vehicle
Park your Mercedes on a level and stable surface, preferably in a designated work area or garage. Engage the parking brake firmly to prevent the vehicle from rolling and ensure it remains stationary throughout the procedure.
### Wear Protective Gear
Don your safety glasses and gloves to safeguard your eyes from debris and protect your hands from sharp edges during the hood removal and installation process. Proper protective gear is a simple yet effective way to minimize the risk of injuries.
### Secure the Hood
Before removing the hood, verify that it is securely propped up by the designated support rods. This ensures that the hood will not fall unexpectedly and cause damage or injury.
### Use Proper Tools
For a successful hood swap, equip yourself with a suitable set of tools, including a wrench, socket set, and potentially a screwdriver. Having the right tools at hand will facilitate the process and ensure a smooth and efficient experience.
Materials and Tools Required
Tools:
- Ratchet and socket set (10mm, 13mm, 15mm, 18mm)
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Torx T25 and T30 screwdrivers
- Plastic pry tools
- Torque wrench
Materials:
- New hood assembly (OEM or aftermarket)
- Hood insulation pad (optional)
- Replacement hood struts (recommended)
- Touch-up paint (optional)
Detailed Breakdown of Tools:
* Ratchet and socket set:
Used for loosening and tightening hood bolts. The specific sizes mentioned are commonly found on the Mercedes E350.
* Screwdrivers:
Used for removing screws and clips that secure hood components. Phillips and flathead screwdrivers are essential, while Torx T25 and T30 screwdrivers are specific to the Mercedes E350.
* Plastic pry tools:
Used for gently prying open plastic clips and molding without causing damage.
* Torque wrench:
Used for tightening bolts to the specified torque values, ensuring proper fit and functionality.
Locating the Hood Hinges
Identifying the hood hinges is crucial before initiating the hood swapout process. These hinges provide the pivotal connection between the hood and the vehicle’s frame, allowing the hood to open and close smoothly. Follow these steps to locate the hinges:
1. Open the hood of your 09 Mercedes E350 and secure it in the open position using the prop rod.
2. Locate the front edge of the hood, where it meets the vehicle’s body. Run your hands along this edge until you feel two raised areas on either side.
3. These raised areas are the hood hinges. They typically feature a large, central bolt that connects the hinge to the hood. The hinges are also connected to the vehicle’s frame by another bolt or series of bolts.
4. Once you have identified the hood hinges, you can proceed with the hood swapout process.
**Additional Tip**: If you encounter difficulty locating the hinges, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or refer to an online resource such as a repair manual or video tutorial specific to your vehicle model.
Disconnecting the Gas Struts
Gas struts are essential components that support the hood and assist in its smooth operation. To safely remove the hood, it’s crucial to properly disconnect these struts. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:
1. Locate the Gas Struts
Locate the two gas struts mounted on the sides of the engine compartment. They are attached to the hood and the body of the car.
2. Protect Your Hands
Wear safety gloves to avoid any potential injuries from the release of pressure when disconnecting the struts.
3. Prepare the Hood
Carefully lift the hood to a raised position, but not fully open. This will provide enough space to access the gas struts.
4. Disconnecting the Gas Struts
This step requires caution as the gas struts contain pressurized gas. To disconnect them:
- Step 1: Release the Pressure: Gently push down on the hood to release the pressure in the struts. Do this carefully to avoid sudden movements.
- Step 2: Remove the Clips: Locate the plastic clips holding the struts in place. Use a trim removal tool or a flat-head screwdriver to gently pry the clips loose.
- Step 3: Pull the Struts: Once the clips are removed, carefully pull the gas struts straight up to detach them from the hood and the body.
| Tools Required |
|---|
| Safety Gloves |
| Trim Removal Tool or Flat-Head Screwdriver |
Removing the Hood Struts
The gas struts that support the hood need to be removed before you can lift it off. You will need a pair of pliers for this step.
1. Open the hood about halfway.
2. On the hood, you will find a plastic cover that is located near the top of the hood strut.
3. Use the pliers to pry the plastic cover off.
4. Once the cover is removed, you will see a 10mm bolt that is holding the hood strut in place.
5. Use the pliers to loosen the bolt.
6. Once the bolt is loose, you will be able to lift the hood strut up and out of the bracket.
7. Repeat this process for the other hood strut.
Disconnecting the Hood Latch Cable
Once the hood struts are removed, you need to disconnect the hood latch cable. This cable is located on the driver’s side of the car, near the front of the hood.
1. Use a 10mm wrench to loosen the bolt that is holding the hood latch cable in place.
2. Once the bolt is loose, you will be able to pull the hood latch cable out of the bracket.
3. Make sure that the hood latch cable is out of the way so that it does not interfere with the removal of the hood.
Lifting the Hood Off the Car
Now that the hood struts and the hood latch cable are disconnected, you can lift the hood off the car.
1. Two people will be needed to lift the hood off the car.
2. Stand on either side of the car, near the front.
3. Slowly lift the hood up and off the car.
4. Be careful not to damage the hood or the car.
Lifting the New Hood into Place
Getting Help
Enlist the assistance of a friend or family member to lift the new hood into place. It is a heavy and awkward component, and trying to manage it alone can be difficult and dangerous.
Aligning the Hood
Before lifting the hood, carefully align it with the vehicle’s body. Ensure that the edges of the hood are flush with the fenders and that the front edge is lined up with the grille. This alignment will make it easier to reattach the hood later.
Positioning the Hood
Carefully lift the hood and position it over the vehicle’s engine bay. Be mindful of the hood’s weight and use proper lifting techniques. Ensure that the hood is evenly supported by your assistant.
Using the Hood Shocks
Locate the hood shocks (gas struts) on either side of the engine bay. Gently compress the shocks slightly to create space for the hood to be lowered. Guide the hood into the open position and allow the shocks to extend, slowly lifting the hood into place.
Securing the Hood
Once the hood is fully open, locate the hood latch at the front of the grille. Release the latch and carefully lower the hood. Ensure that the hood is fully closed and latched securely before releasing it.
| Additional Safety Tips |
|---|
| – Never work under a hood that is not properly supported. |
| – Do not attempt to open or close the hood with one hand. |
| – Always wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and heat. |
Connecting the Gas Struts
Step 7: Aligning and Mounting the Struts
Once the new hood is installed, it’s time to reconnect the gas struts. These struts assist in lifting and holding the hood open. Careful alignment is crucial to ensure a proper fit and smooth operation.
**Detailed Process:**
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Release Hood Open Lever | Locate the hood release lever inside the vehicle and pull it to unlock the latch. |
| 2. Identify Mounting Points | Locate the mounting points on the new hood and the vehicle’s frame. They are usually visible as small brackets or studs. |
| 3. Align Struts | Carefully align the ball joints of the struts with the mounting points on the hood and the frame. |
| 4. Secure Ball Joints | Secure the ball joints by pushing them onto the mounting points until they snap into place. Apply slight pressure to ensure a snug fit. |
| 5. Verify Movement | Gently lift the hood to verify that it opens and closes smoothly without any resistance or obstruction. |
It’s important to thoroughly check the alignment and secure the struts properly. If the struts are not aligned correctly, it can cause the hood to open unevenly or improperly, potentially leading to safety hazards.
Aligning and Securing the Hood
Now comes the most critical step of aligning and securing the hood. You’ll need two people for this process.
Positioning the Hood
First, carefully position the hood over the car, ensuring it’s straight and aligned with the fenders. Check if the hood gaps are even on both sides. Adjust the hood as necessary to achieve proper alignment.
Latching and Tightening
Once the hood is positioned, push down on the corners to secure it in place. Then, locate the hood latch mechanism and pull the lever or press the button to engage the latch. Verify that the hood is securely latched by gently lifting it.
Tightening the Bolts
Next, use a socket wrench to tighten the hinge bolts on both sides. Tighten them evenly, avoiding overtightening or cross-threading. Refer to the vehicle’s service manual for specific torque specifications.
Installing the Hood Struts
Locate the hood struts and insert the ball stud of each strut into its socket on the hood. Ensure the struts are seated correctly and not binding. Extend the struts to the fully extended position and secure them with the provided nuts.
Installing the Hood Moldings and Garnish
If your vehicle has hood moldings or garnish, install them following the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure the moldings are positioned correctly and securely attached to prevent wind noise or water leaks.
Verifying Hood Operation
Finally, verify that the hood opens and closes smoothly. Check for any binding or misalignment. Adjust the hood latch or bolts as needed to ensure proper operation.
Resetting the Hood Latch
The hood latch is a critical safety feature that ensures the hood remains securely closed while driving. If the hood latch is damaged or malfunctions, it’s essential to reset it to prevent the hood from popping open unexpectedly.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal: Start by disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery to disable all electrical components and prevent any accidental shocks.
- Remove the grille: Using a screwdriver or a trim tool, carefully remove the front grille of the Mercedes. This will expose the hood latch assembly behind it.
- Locate the hood latch: The hood latch is typically located in the center of the engine compartment, just behind the grille. It consists of a latch mechanism and a lever arm that releases the latch when pulled.
- Depress the release mechanism: Using a small flathead screwdriver or a pair of needle-nose pliers, gently depress the release mechanism on the hood latch. This should unlatch the hood.
- Raise the hood: Slowly lift the hood open until it reaches its fully open position.
- Check the hood latch assembly: Carefully examine the hood latch assembly for any signs of damage or wear. Ensure that all components are properly aligned and functioning smoothly.
- Apply a lubricant: If the hood latch appears to be dry, apply a small amount of silicone spray or white lithium grease to lubricate the moving parts. This will help ensure smooth operation and prevent future issues.
- Close the hood: Carefully lower the hood until it reaches its fully closed position.
- Reconnect the battery: Finally, reconnect the negative terminal of the battery to restore power to the vehicle’s electrical system.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- If the hood latch does not release when you depress the release mechanism, there may be an issue with the latch assembly itself or the cable that connects it to the lever arm. Check for any broken or loose components and replace them as necessary.
- If the hood latch appears to be functioning correctly, but the hood still pops open while driving, there may be an issue with the hood prop rod or its mounting points. Inspect these components and ensure they are properly aligned and secure.
Finishing Touches
1. Inspect the Fit
After the hood is installed, inspect the fit carefully. Ensure that the hood aligns properly with the fenders and grille. There should be no gaps or unevenness.
2. Adjust Hood Latches
Check the alignment of the hood latches. If the latches are not properly aligned, the hood may not latch securely. Adjust the latches as necessary to ensure they meet the hood strikers evenly.
3. Tighten Hood Fasteners
Tighten the bolts or screws that secure the hood to the hinges. Use a torque wrench to apply the correct amount of force, as specified in the vehicle’s service manual. Overtightening can damage the bolts or hinges.
4. Reinstall Hood Insulation
If the hood had any insulation, reinstall it. The insulation helps reduce engine noise and heat inside the vehicle.
5. Test Hood Operation
Open and close the hood several times to ensure that it operates smoothly and latches securely. The hood should not require excessive effort to open or close.
6. Clean the Hood
Clean the hood surface with soap and water to remove any dirt or debris. Apply a coat of wax or sealant to protect the paint finish.
7. Inspect Seals and Gaskets
Inspect the hood seals and gaskets around the edges and between the hood and fenders. Replace any damaged or worn seals to prevent water leaks or wind noise.
8. Check Hood Alignment
With the hood closed, stand in front of the vehicle and look at the hood from different angles. The hood should be level and parallel to the ground. If there are any misalignments, adjust the hood hinges accordingly.
9. Reinstall Hood Ornamental Trim
If the vehicle has any hood ornamental trim, reinstall it. Ensure that the trim is securely fastened and aligns properly with the hood.
10. Detailed Inspection
Before declaring the hood swapout complete, take the time for a detailed inspection.
- Hood Alignment: Scrutinize the hood’s alignment with the fenders and grille. Ensure that the gaps are uniform and that the hood sits flush against the fenders.
- Latches and Hinges: Examine the latches and hinges for any signs of damage or wear. Verify that the latches engage smoothly and that the hinges operate without any stiffness or looseness.
- Paint Finish: Inspect the paint finish closely for any imperfections or scratches. If any paint touch-ups are necessary, have them professionally done to maintain the integrity of the paintwork.
- Seals and Gaskets: Meticulously check the seals and gaskets around the hood, fenders, and grille. Replace any damaged or deteriorated seals to prevent water leaks and wind noise.
- Hood Operation: Open and close the hood repeatedly to ensure its smooth and secure operation. The hood should lift and close effortlessly and latch without requiring excessive force.
How to Swapout a Hood on a 2009 Mercedes E350
Replacing a hood on a 2009 Mercedes E350 is a moderately complex task that requires some basic automotive knowledge and tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Safety First: Disconnect the battery and allow the engine to cool completely.
- Remove Hood Hinges: Open the hood and locate the two hood hinges. Use a wrench to remove the bolts that secure the hinges to the hood.
- Lift Off Hood: With the hinges detached, carefully lift the hood off the vehicle. Have an assistant support the rear of the hood.
- Disconnect Wiring: Unplug any electrical connections or wires that are attached to the hood, such as the hood switch.
- Install New Hood: Position the new hood onto the vehicle and align it with the hinge bolts.
- Reattach Hood Hinges: Secure the hood hinges to the new hood using the bolts.
- Connect Wiring: Reconnect any electrical wires or connections that were disconnected.
- Adjust Hood: Open and close the hood to ensure it is properly aligned and opens and closes smoothly.
- Tighten Bolts: Fully tighten all bolts and screws to secure the hood in place.
People Also Ask
What tools are needed for this task?
You will need a wrench, socket set, and possibly a pry bar.
Is it necessary to disconnect the battery?
Yes, it is essential to disconnect the battery to prevent electrical damage during the process.
Can I do this job myself?
With some basic automotive knowledge and tools, you can DIY this task. However, it is recommended to have an assistant to help lift the hood.
