My new to me 2002 g500 came with a broken hood release handle. Got the OEM replacement but still having issues.
I cant seem to install the handle in such a way to get the proper tension on the cable so that the lever thrown will pull the cable enough to open the hood. I currently have the handle unbolted from the knee bolster and just pull the whole loose handle assembly down and towards the rear of the car to open the hood.
Is there supposed to be some sort of ferrule on the cable housing that sits in the flare on the back of the handle? or is the cable housing alone supposed to sit in there? Cable housing is in rough shape under the hood. Anyone ever replaced the housing?
I've replaced hood cables on other builds but not the w463, I've also built custom cables for cafe racers I've built.
From the outside a lot of times cables can look fine, but if you cut them or really inspect them they can chafe on metal and eventually allow moisture inside and remove any (if any) lubrication that's inside.
I've removed cables that look to have chalk inside due to water getting in and drying them out from the inside.
I'd take apart the whole assembly, leave the hood propped and replace the cable as well as the release in the truck. I would also look at the two latch points on the corners of the front of the hood for any misalignment or corrosion, then look at the center latching pin to assure it's not sticking or misaligned.
Just looking at that diagram and hearing what you're experiencing, I would look at the hood pin mechanism as well as that small spring that's in the diagram below.
Wonder if that spring (fig 53) is where you're missing your tension in the actual cable?
mmm I dont know why I was expecting the cable and cable housing as two separate P/N's I looks like the "hood cable" from the parts diagram is actually the steel cable and the housing sold as one unit. I will order this up and that 53 spring as well, see if this takes care of me
Thanks again! Im hopeful the task is not as daunting as the video implies.
New cable came complete with housing and the install was straight forward. I ended up pushing the grommet through the firewall form the interior as I could not get hands on it from the engine bay side. I can now leave the pliers I was using to pull the old cable to open the hood in the garage
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
