Replacing the hood on a 2009 Mercedes E350 is a complex and time-consuming task, nevertheless, with the appropriate tools and a systematic approach, it can be accomplished successfully. This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions, detailed explanations, and crucial safety precautions to ensure a smooth and effective hood replacement process.
Before commencing, gather the necessary tools and materials, including a new hood, replacement hardware, a socket wrench set, a torque wrench, a pry bar, a hammer, and a chisel. Additionally, ensure your workspace is well-lit and ventilated. Begin by disconnecting the negative battery terminal to prevent any electrical hazards. Next, carefully remove the hood insulation and unbolt the hood hinges from the vehicle’s frame. Subsequently, support the hood with a sturdy object or a helper, and proceed to detach the hood from the hinges.
Now, prepare the new hood for installation by aligning it correctly on the vehicle’s frame. Secure it temporarily with a few bolts to prevent it from shifting. Reconnect the hood hinges and tighten the bolts securely using a torque wrench to ensure proper fit and functionality. Replace the hood insulation and reconnect the negative battery terminal. Finally, inspect the hood’s alignment, adjust it as necessary, and ensure all bolts are tightened to the specified torque values. By following these instructions meticulously, you can effectively swap out the hood on your 2009 Mercedes E350 and restore its pristine appearance.
Safety Precautions and Tools Required
Safety Precautions
Prior to embarking on the hood swapout procedure, it is imperative to prioritize safety considerations to minimize potential hazards.
- Park the vehicle on a level and stable surface: Engage the parking brake to prevent unintended movement.
- Disconnect the battery: Locate the battery terminals and remove the negative cable to isolate the electrical system.
- Allow the engine to cool: The hood contains hot components, so it is crucial to wait until the engine has cooled down to avoid burns.
- Wear protective gear: Utilize safety glasses to shield your eyes from falling debris and gloves to protect your hands.
- Secure the work area: Clear away any obstacles around the vehicle and ensure there is adequate space to work safely.
- Inspect the hood: Examine the hood for any sharp edges or damaged components that could cause injury.
Tools Required
In order to complete the hood swapout successfully, the following tools are essential:
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| 10mm Socket Wrench | To remove the hood bolts |
| 13mm Socket Wrench | To remove the radiator support bolts |
| Torx T25 Bit | To remove the hood latch |
| Phillips Head Screwdriver | To remove the side marker lights |
| Flathead Screwdriver | To pry open the grille |
| Wrenches (10mm and 13mm) | For additional leverage when removing bolts |
| Gloves | To protect hands from sharp edges and hot components |
| Safety Glasses | To protect eyes from falling debris |
Removing the Old Hood
1. Disconnect the battery. Before you begin working on the hood, it’s important to disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical accidents. To do this, locate the negative battery terminal and loosen the bolt that holds it in place. Once the terminal is loose, remove it from the battery post and set it aside.
2. Remove the hood latch. The hood latch is located on the front of the hood, just above the grille. To remove the latch, insert a screwdriver into the small hole on the side of the latch and push down. The latch will pop open, and you can then remove it from the hood.
3. Remove the hood hinges. The hood hinges are located on either side of the hood, near the windshield. To remove the hinges, unbolt them from the hood and the frame of the car. Once the hinges are removed, you can lift the hood off of the car.
| Tools Needed | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Screwdriver | 30 minutes |
Disconnecting the Gas Struts
1. **Locate the gas struts.** They are located on either side of the hood, connecting it to the frame of the car.
2. **Insert a screwdriver or pry bar into the small notch at the bottom of the strut.** This will release the tension on the strut, allowing you to remove it.
3. **Gently lift the hood while pulling the strut out of its socket.** Be careful not to let the hood fall suddenly, as this could damage it or the struts.
| **Tip:** It may be helpful to use a second person to assist you in holding the hood while you remove the struts. |
4. **Repeat the process for the other gas strut.**
Removing the Hood Hinges
Once the hood is propped up, you can start removing the hood hinges. To do this, locate the bolts that secure the hinges to the hood and to the car itself. There will be four bolts on each hinge, for a total of eight bolts.
Use a wrench to loosen the bolts, and then remove them by hand. Once the bolts are removed, you can lift the hood off of the hinges. Be careful not to drop the hood, as it is heavy.
4. Troubleshooting
If your car doesn’t have gas struts, you may encounter difficulty when attempting to remove the hood. When lifting the hood and removing it from the hinges, it could fall and cause damage. To avoid the risk of injury, seek assistance from another individual so they can help you hold the hood up as you remove the bolts and detach it from the hinges.
| Action | Note |
|---|---|
| Locate the hinge bolts | Be mindful that there are a total of eight bolts, four on each hinge. |
| Loosen and remove the bolts | Use a wrench to loosen the bolts first, followed by removing them by hand. |
| Lift the hood off the hinges | Caution: The hood is heavy, avoid dropping it. If your vehicle lacks gas struts, ask for assistance to support the hood during this step. |
Installing the New Hood Hinges
The hood hinges are crucial components for the smooth operation of your car’s hood. Here’s how to install the new hood hinges on your 2009 Mercedes E350:
1. Gather Tools: Before starting, assemble the necessary tools, including a socket wrench, hex keys, pliers, and a flathead screwdriver.
2. Remove Old Hinges: Using a socket wrench, carefully unbolt the old hood hinges from the hood and fender. Be mindful not to damage any other components.
3. Prepare New Hinges: Align the new hood hinges on the corresponding mounting points on the hood and fender.
4. Attach Hinges: Secure the new hinges using the bolts provided. Start by finger-tightening them and then use a socket wrench to fully tighten them.
5. Adjust Hinges (Advanced): To ensure optimal hood alignment and operation, further adjustments may be necessary:
5.1. Hood Alignment: Open and close the hood a few times to observe its alignment. If needed, adjust the position of the hinges by loosening the bolts, realigning the hood, and re-tightening the bolts.
5.2. Hood Height: Inspect the hood’s height when closed. If necessary, adjust the hinges by loosening the bolts, lifting or lowering the hood as required, and re-tightening the bolts.
5.3. Hood Latch Engagement: Verify if the hood latch engages properly when the hood is closed. If adjustment is necessary, loosen the bolts, adjust the latch position, and re-tighten the bolts.
6. Final Checks: Once all adjustments are complete, inspect the hood’s operation by opening and closing it several times. Ensure it aligns correctly, closes securely, and the latch engages properly.
Reattaching the Gas Struts
Now it’s time to reattach the gas struts to the hood. Struts can vary slightly from model to model, but they generally work in a similar way.
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Locate the bottom of the gas strut. It will have a ball-and-socket joint.
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Push the ball joint into the socket on the hood. You may need to use a little force.
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Secure the gas strut to the hood using the bolts or screws that you removed earlier.
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Repeat this process for the other gas strut.
Here’s a table summarizing the steps:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the bottom of the gas strut. |
| 2 | Push the ball joint into the socket on the hood. |
| 3 | Secure the gas strut to the hood using the bolts or screws. |
| 4 | Repeat for the other gas strut. |
Aligning the New Hood
Once the new hood is in place, it is essential to align it properly to ensure a smooth and secure fit. Follow these detailed steps for precise alignment:
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Check the Gaps Along the Sides: Open the doors on both sides of the vehicle and visually inspect the gaps between the hood and the fenders. Adjust the hood side-to-side as necessary to achieve even gaps on both sides.
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Measure the Distance to the Grille: Use a measuring tape to verify the distance between the hood and the grille. The distance should be consistent on both sides, creating a flush and symmetrical appearance. Adjust the hood forward or backward as needed to achieve the correct distance.
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Evaluate the Alignment with the Headlamps: Observe the alignment of the hood with the headlamps. The hood should overlap the headlamps evenly on both sides, with a consistent gap around the edges. Adjust the hood as required to ensure proper alignment.
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Check the Clearance at the Windshield: Open the hood slightly and inspect the clearance between the hood and the windshield. Adjust the hood up or down as necessary to provide sufficient clearance without causing interference.
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Verify the Latch Engagement: Close the hood gently and verify that the latch engages securely. The hood should close smoothly and lock into place without excessive force. Adjust the latch or hood alignment as needed to ensure proper latching.
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Tighten the Bolts: Once the hood is aligned, tighten the bolts that secure it to the hinges. Use a torque wrench to apply the specified torque to prevent overtightening.
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Confirm Final Alignment: With the hood fully closed, inspect the alignment from various angles. Verify that the gaps are even, the hood is flush with the surrounding body panels, and the headlamps are properly aligned. Make any necessary final adjustments to achieve optimal alignment and appearance.
Tightening the Bolts and Screws
Once the hood is aligned, it’s time to tighten the bolts and screws. Follow these steps carefully to ensure the hood is securely fastened in place:
- Using a torque wrench with the appropriate socket size, tighten the two bolts at the front of the hood to the specified torque (typically around 10 ft-lbs). These bolts hold the hood hinge to the body.
- Next, tighten the four screws at the rear of the hood to the specified torque (typically around 5 ft-lbs). These screws secure the hood to the hinge.
- Use a flat-head screwdriver to tighten the two adjustment screws located at the base of each hinge. These screws adjust the height of the hood and ensure that the gaps are even on both sides.
- Once all the bolts and screws are tightened, double-check the hood alignment by opening and closing it several times. Make sure that the edges of the hood line up evenly with the fenders and that the gaps are consistent throughout.
Reattaching the Hood Latches
Once the hood is aligned and secured, it’s time to reattach the hood latches. Follow these steps to complete the process:
- Locate the two hood latches on the inside of the hood.
- Align the latches with the corresponding brackets on the body of the car.
- Press down firmly on each latch to engage it into place.
- Check the operation of the hood latches by opening and closing the hood several times.
| Tool Required | Description |
|---|---|
| Torque Wrench | Used to tighten bolts and screws to the specified torque. |
| Socket Wrench Set | Used to remove and install bolts and screws. |
| Flat-Head Screwdriver | Used to adjust the hood hinges. |
Checking for Proper Operation
Once the hood is installed, it’s essential to check for proper operation before driving the vehicle. Follow these steps to ensure the hood opens, closes, and latches securely:
1. **Open the Hood:** Pull the hood release lever located inside the cabin near the driver’s seat. The hood should open smoothly and stay in place.
2. **Close the Hood:** Carefully lower the hood until it is a few inches away from closing. Push down evenly on both sides of the hood to engage the latches.
3. **Engage the Safety Latch:** Push the safety latch lever in the center of the hood towards the grille until it clicks into place. This will prevent the hood from accidentally opening while driving.
4. **Test the Latch:** Close the hood completely and try to open it by pulling up on the latch release lever. The hood should remain closed.
5. **Check the Hood Line:** Ensure that the hood is flush with the fenders and grille. There should be no gaps or misalignment.
6. **Confirm Indicator Light:** Check if the hood open indicator light on the dashboard is turned off. If it remains on, there may be an issue with the latch or sensor.
7. **Drive Test:** Take the vehicle for a short drive and test the hood’s operation by opening and closing it while the car is in motion. Be cautious and ensure there is no wind resistance that could affect the hood’s movement.
8. **Repeated Testing:** Continue checking the hood’s operation over several days to ensure it consistently opens, closes, and latches securely. This will help identify any potential issues.
9. **Seek Professional Help:** If you encounter any difficulties or concerns with the hood’s operation, consult a qualified mechanic or technician. They can diagnose and resolve any problems to ensure the safety and functionality of your vehicle.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues while swapping out the hood on your 09 Mercedes E350, refer to the following troubleshooting tips:
- Difficulty removing the old hood: Use a pry bar to gently pry up the hood along the edges to release the clips.
- Alignment issues: Reposition the hood and adjust the bolts and brackets until it aligns properly with the fenders.
- Excessive vibration: Double-check the bolts and ensure they are tightened securely to prevent the hood from rattling.
Tips
Here are some tips to ensure a successful hood swapout:
- Safety first: Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from sharp edges and falling parts.
- Use the right tools: Use a socket wrench, ratchet, and pry bar for optimal efficiency.
- Disconnect the battery: Avoid electrical hazards by disconnecting the battery before starting the swap.
- Clean the hood latch: Remove any rust or debris from the hood latch to ensure smooth operation.
- Support the hood safely: Use a prop rod or bungee straps to prevent the hood from falling unexpectedly.
- Check the hood fit: Close the hood and inspect the alignment. Make adjustments as needed to ensure a proper fit.
- Tighten bolts gradually: Tighten the hood bolts evenly and gradually to avoid bending or warping the hood.
- Lubricate the hood hinges: Apply a small amount of grease to the hood hinges to ensure smooth operation.
- Reconnect the battery: Reconnect the battery after the swap is complete.
- Test the hood: Open and close the hood several times to ensure proper operation and alignment.
Advanced Tip: Painting the Hood
If the replacement hood requires painting, consider the following tips:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sand the hood surface to remove any imperfections. |
| 2 | Prime the hood with a compatible primer. |
| 3 | Apply several coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly. |
| 4 | Clear coat the hood to protect the paint from damage. |
How To Swapout A Hood On A 09 Mercedes E350
You will need the following tools to replace the hood on your 2009 Mercedes E350:
Step 1: Open the hood of your Mercedes E350.
Step 2: Locate the two 10mm bolts that hold the hood hinges to the fenders.
Step 3: Remove the two 10mm bolts.
Step 4: Locate the two 13mm nuts that hold the hood hinges to the firewall.
Step 5: Remove the two 13mm nuts.
Step 6: Carefully lift the hood off of the hinges.
Step 7: Place the new hood on the hinges.
Step 8: Secure the hood hinges to the firewall with the two 13mm nuts.
Step 9: Secure the hood hinges to the fenders with the two 10mm bolts.
Step 10: Close the hood and check for proper fit and operation.
People Also Ask
How much does it cost to replace a hood on a Mercedes E350?
The cost to replace a hood on a Mercedes E350 will vary depending on the year and model of your vehicle, as well as the location of the repair shop. However, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,000 for the parts and labor.
Can I replace a hood on my own?
It is possible to replace a hood on your own, but it is important to have the proper tools and knowledge before attempting this repair. If you are not comfortable working on your own vehicle, it is best to take it to a qualified mechanic.
How long does it take to replace a hood?
The time it takes to replace a hood will vary depending on the experience of the mechanic and the condition of the vehicle. However, you can expect the repair to take between 1 and 2 hours.
