Replacing the hood on a 2009 Mercedes W211 can be a daunting task for many, but with the right guidance and proper tools, it can be done successfully. This comprehensive guide will provide step-by-step instructions, crucial safety precautions, and expert tips to ensure a seamless and professional replacement process. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a novice DIY enthusiast, this article will empower you to tackle this task with confidence and achieve a flawless finish.
Before embarking on the replacement process, it’s imperative to prioritize safety. Disconnect the vehicle’s battery to avoid any electrical hazards, and engage the parking brake to prevent unintended movement. Gather the necessary tools, including a socket wrench set, screwdrivers, a trim removal tool, and protective gloves. Ensure you have ample workspace and good lighting to facilitate the task. Once the preparatory measures are in place, you can proceed with the hood replacement process.
Begin by removing the decorative grille located on the front of the hood. Use a trim removal tool to carefully unclip the grille and set it aside. Next, identify the hinges that connect the hood to the fenders. Using a socket wrench, loosen the bolts securing the hinges and lift the hood slightly. Support the hood with a prop rod or a second person to prevent it from falling. Disconnect any electrical connectors or cables attached to the underside of the hood, such as the hood release cable or the windshield washer fluid tubes. Carefully lift the old hood off the hinges and place it in a secure location.
Preparing for the Replacement
Safety Precautions
Before embarking on the hood replacement process, it is imperative to prioritize safety. Park your Mercedes in a well-lit, stable location and engage the parking brake to prevent unintended movement. For added security, place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. Disconnect the negative terminal of your vehicle’s battery to eliminate any electrical hazards.
Tools and Materials
Assemble the necessary tools and materials for the task. You will require a socket wrench set, a screwdriver, a ratchet, extensions, a torque wrench, a new hood, and a helper to assist with the removal and installation.
Gathering Information
Consult your Mercedes-Benz service manual or an online resource for specific instructions pertaining to your particular model. This information will provide precise steps on how to detach the old hood, connect the new one, and set the proper torque specifications. Additionally, ensure you have adequate space to work comfortably and avoid any potential obstacles that could hinder the process.
Removing the Grille
Before you can access the Mercedes W211 hood, you will first need to remove the grille. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Open the hood.
Pull the hood release lever located on the left side of the dashboard. Then, lift the hood and prop it up with the support rod.
2. Locate the grille clips.
There are six clips that hold the grille in place. Two are located at the top of the grille, two are located in the middle, and two are located at the bottom. Press on the center of each clip to release it.
3. Remove the grille from its frame.
Once all six clips are released, you should be able to pull the center of the grille towards you. The grille will then come off completely.
4. Disconnect the electrical connectors.
There are two electrical connectors that need to be disconnected before you can completely remove the grille. One connector is located on the driver’s side of the grille, and the other connector is located on the passenger’s side. Press on the release tab on each connector to unlock it. Then, pull the connector straight out of its socket.
5. Remove the grille completely.
Once the electrical connectors are disconnected, you should be able to lift the grille up and off of the vehicle.
Disconnecting the Cable
The next step involves disconnecting the cable that opens the hood. Locate the release lever on the inside of the vehicle, near the driver’s seat. Pull the lever to release the hood, then locate the cable that’s connected to the latch mechanism. Use a pair of pliers to gently squeeze the release clip on the cable and pull it free. Be careful not to damage the cable or the latch mechanism.
Here’s a detailed table outlining the steps for disconnecting the cable:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the release lever on the inside of the vehicle, near the driver’s seat. |
| 2 | Pull the lever to release the hood. |
| 3 | Locate the cable that’s connected to the latch mechanism. Use a pair of pliers to gently squeeze the release clip on the cable and pull it free. |
| 4 | Be careful not to damage the cable or the latch mechanism. |
Removing the Hood Hinges
Before you remove the hood completely, you need to disconnect the hood hinges. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Locate the Hood Hinges
Open the hood and locate the hinges on either side of the engine compartment. They are typically attached to the hood and the fenders.
Step 2: Remove the Hinge Bolts
Using a socket wrench or spanner, locate the bolts that secure the hinges to the hood and the fenders. Carefully remove these bolts.
Step 3: Lift the Hood
With the bolts removed, carefully lift the hood straight up. Do not let it fall, as this can damage the hinges or the hood itself.
Step 4: Disconnect the Hood Struts
Once the hood is lifted, locate the hood struts. They are gas-filled struts that assist in opening and closing the hood. Disconnect the struts from their mounting points on both the hood and the fenders. Use a flat-head screwdriver or a plier to pry them loose.
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Socket wrench or spanner | Remove hinge bolts |
| Flat-head screwdriver or pliers | Disconnect hood struts |
Lifting and Removing the Hood
Step 1: Locate the Hood Release Lever
Step inside the driver’s cabin and look for the hood release lever, usually positioned on the left-hand side under the dashboard. Pull this lever up or towards you.
Step 2: Pop the Hood Open
Once the release lever is pulled, go to the front of the vehicle and gently lift the hood. It may slightly pop open but won’t fully raise yet.
Step 3: Locate the Secondary Latch
On the front edge of the hood, beneath the Mercedes emblem, there’s a secondary latch. Reach under the hood and release this latch by squeezing it together or pulling it down.
Step 4: Raise the Hood
With the secondary latch released, the hood can be fully lifted. Position the hood stay rod into the designated slot on the firewall to keep the hood securely open.
Step 5: Disconnect the Battery (Optional)
Why Disconnect the Battery?
Disconnecting the battery is recommended for safety reasons and can prevent any electrical malfunctions or airbag deployment if the vehicle is accidentally started with the hood up. It’s not mandatory but highly advisable.
Disconnecting the Battery
To disconnect the battery, locate the negative terminal on the battery. Wear gloves for protection and use a 10mm wrench or socket to loosen the nut connecting the negative cable to the terminal. Carefully lift the cable and move it away from the terminal. Repeat this step for the positive terminal, if desired.
| Battery Terminal | Cable Color |
|---|---|
| Negative | Black |
| Positive | Red |
Installing the New Hood
With the latch mechanism temporarily out of the way, you can now focus on installing the new hood. Begin by carefully lifting and aligning the hood over the hinge points on the fenders. Ensure that it is properly seated and rests evenly on the vehicle.
Next, locate the bolts that secure the hood to the hinges. There are typically two bolts on each hinge, one towards the front and one towards the rear. Using a wrench or socket set, tighten these bolts to the specified torque as per the vehicle’s service manual.
Once the hood is securely fastened to the hinges, it’s time to reconnect the latch mechanism. Retrieve the latch mechanism from where you had temporarily placed it and position it back into its designated spot on the hood. Ensure that it aligns properly with the corresponding bracket on the vehicle’s frame.
With the latch mechanism in place, secure it by tightening the bolts or screws that hold it. Again, refer to the service manual for the correct torque specifications to prevent over-tightening or under-tightening.
Finally, double-check the alignment of the hood by closing and opening it a few times. It should open and close smoothly without any binding or interference. If any adjustments are necessary, loosen the bolts on the hinges slightly, reposition the hood, and re-tighten the bolts to the specified torque.
| Tools Needed: | Torque Specifications: |
|---|---|
| Wrench or socket set | Refer to vehicle’s service manual |
| Phillips head screwdriver |
Reattaching the Hood Hinges
Once the hood is properly aligned and secured with the bolts, it’s time to reattach the hood hinges. This process involves carefully aligning the hinges with their respective mounting points on the hood and chassis. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure a secure reattachment:
1. Position the hood hinges over their corresponding mounting points. Ensure that the hinges are properly oriented to fit into the slots on the hood and chassis.
2. Secure the hinges using the bolts provided in the replacement kit. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque using a torque wrench to prevent overtightening.
3. Confirm the alignment of the hood. Open and close the hood several times to ensure that it opens and closes smoothly without any resistance or misalignment.
4. If necessary, adjust the hinge positions slightly using the provided adjustment slots to achieve the desired fit and alignment.
5. Tighten the hinge bolts to their final torque specifications to ensure a secure and durable attachment.
6. Inspect the hood again to verify that it opens and closes without any issues. If any adjustments are needed, repeat steps 4 and 5 until the desired fit is achieved.
7. Lubricate the hinge points using a high-quality lubricant to reduce friction and prevent wear. This step is crucial for the longevity and smooth operation of the hood hinges. Apply the lubricant to all moving parts, including the hinge pins and the contact surfaces between the hinge and the hood or chassis.
Reconnecting the Cable
Once the hood is in place, it’s time to reconnect the cable that releases the hood latch from inside the vehicle. This cable is usually located on the driver’s side of the engine bay, and it runs through a small hole in the firewall into the passenger compartment.
To reconnect the cable, simply insert the end of the cable into the hole in the firewall and pull it through. Once the cable is through the hole, secure it to the hood latch release handle inside the vehicle.
Detailed Instructions:
- Locate the hood latch release cable on the driver’s side of the engine bay.
- Pull the hood latch release handle inside the vehicle to create slack in the cable.
- Insert the end of the hood latch release cable into the hole in the firewall.
- Pull the cable through the hole until it is taut.
- Secure the cable to the hood latch release handle inside the vehicle.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the hood latch release cable. |
| 2 | Pull the hood latch release handle. |
| 3 | Insert the cable into the firewall hole. |
| 4 | Pull the cable taut. |
| 5 | Secure the cable to the release handle. |
Installing the Grille
Now, let’s get started with installing the grille:
9. Fitting the Grille
Fitting the grille requires careful alignment and precision. Follow these steps to ensure a proper fit:
- Remove the old grille: Use a plastic prying tool or a screwdriver to gently remove the old grille from the chassis. Be careful not to damage the surrounding body panels.
- Prepare the new grille: Before installing the new grille, check that it fits properly on the chassis. If needed, you may need to adjust the mounting points or trim the edges slightly.
- Align the grille: Carefully position the grille on the chassis, ensuring that the edges align evenly with the body panels. Double-check the fitment from different angles to ensure it is sitting straight.
- Insert the mounting screws: Once the grille is properly aligned, insert the mounting screws into the designated holes. Tighten them securely but not excessively, using a ratchet or screwdriver.
- Double-check the fitment: After tightening the screws, double-check the fitment of the grille. Ensure it is sitting flush with the surrounding body panels and that there are no gaps or uneven edges.
Table 1: Common Grille Fitment Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Grille is tilted or misaligned | Adjust the mounting points or trim the edges slightly for a better fit. |
| Gaps or uneven edges | Tighten the mounting screws securely and check the alignment from different angles. |
| Plastic clips breaking | Use appropriate tools and apply pressure evenly to avoid damaging the clips. |
Final Adjustments
Once the hood is in place, you will need to make some final adjustments to ensure that it is properly aligned and functioning correctly.
1. **Check the Hood Alignment:** Open and close the hood several times to check its alignment. Make sure that it opens and closes smoothly, without any binding or rubbing against the fenders or other components.
2. **Adjust the Latch:** If the hood is not latching properly, you may need to adjust the latch mechanism. Locate the latch on the hood and the corresponding striker on the radiator support. Adjust the striker as needed to ensure that the hood latches securely.
3. **Tighten the Bolts:** Once the hood is aligned and latching correctly, tighten all of the bolts that hold it in place. Use a torque wrench to ensure that the bolts are tightened to the specified torque values.
4. **Lubricate the Hinges:** Apply a small amount of grease or lubricant to the hood hinges to ensure that they move smoothly and prevent any squeaking noises.
5. **Check the Hood Prop:** Ensure that the hood prop is functioning properly and is able to hold the hood open securely.
6. **Inspect the Hood Insulation:** Check the condition of the hood insulation and replace it if it is damaged or worn.
7. **Clean the Hood:** Once all of the adjustments are complete, clean the hood thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
8. **Inspect the Hood Release Cable:** Ensure that the hood release cable is functioning properly and is not frayed or damaged.
9. **Check the Hood Sensor:** If your vehicle is equipped with a hood sensor, check to make sure that it is connected and functioning correctly.
10. **Reset the Hood Memory:** If your vehicle has a power hood, you may need to reset the hood memory to ensure that it opens and closes at the correct height. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to reset the memory.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Check hood alignment |
| 2 | Adjust latch mechanism |
| 3 | Tighten bolts |
| 4 | Lubricate hinges |
| 5 | Check hood prop |
| 6 | Inspect hood insulation |
| 7 | Clean hood |
| 8 | Inspect hood release cable |
| 9 | Check hood sensor (if equipped) |
| 10 | Reset hood memory (if vehicle has a power hood) |
How To Replace A 09 Mercedes W211 Hood
Replacing the hood on a 09 Mercedes W211 is a relatively simple task that can be completed in an afternoon. The following steps will guide you through the process:
- Open the hood and disconnect the battery
- Remove the bolts that hold the hood in place
- Lift the hood off of the car
- Remove the old hood
- Install the new hood
- Tighten the bolts that hold the hood in place
- Connect the battery
- Open and close the hood to check for proper alignment
People Also Ask
How much does it cost to replace a Mercedes hood?
The cost of replacing a Mercedes hood will vary depending on the model and year of the vehicle. However, you can expect to pay between $500 and $2,000 for the parts and labor.
How long does it take to replace a Mercedes hood?
Replacing a Mercedes hood is a relatively quick and easy process. It should take no more than an afternoon to complete the task.
Can I replace a Mercedes hood myself?
Yes, it is possible to replace a Mercedes hood yourself. However, it is important to have some experience with automotive repair before attempting this task.
