Bonnet Safety Catch!

[Simon_S]

Just a reminder to everyone to lubricate their bonnet catches! After laughing at Clio bonnets popping open on Watchdog this week, I found mine was seized in the unlocked position
Go and check yours now!
Cheers,
Simon_S

[selespeed]

The bonnet catch of the 147 and 156 is a weak spot and needs to be looked after every service (has been a recall as well).

Remember to mention this when you bring your Alfa for maintenance to a specialist in stead of an official dealership

[Wilmslow]

The recall is just throwing loads of grease onto the catch! Only lasts for a month or so.....

[VO2Max]

I had a lucky escape when my bonnet popped up to the semi-open postion while doing an unmentionable speed on the motorway! Luckily I noticed and retired to the hard shoulder to slam it shut and change my underwear

[James76]

the more recent the car the more likely it is to have the handbook supplement that screams BONNET CATCH MAINTENANCE.

Keep an eye on it - lubed & cleaned.

As we all check our oil regularly, p'raps we should get into the habit of checking it too??

[David C]

It is also important to close it correctly.
Drop it from about 25-30cm.

DON'T lower it gently then push it down.

[rarebear]

My brother (Alfa mechanic) always checks the catch when he opens the bonnet of a 147 / 156 / 166 ... common problem spot apparently !

[David C]

Very common problem...!

Interestingly, at Auto Italia today I was looking at the 147 & GT on the Alfa stand and that safety catch is now plastic instead of metal...

(the 159 & Brera have a completely different setup)

[rarebear]

Plastic is even more worrying !!! just did the belt renew exercise and luckily the tensioner wheel is now steel i.s.o. plastic !
Sometimes the Italians learn from mistakes !

[David C]

The catch is quite thick plastic, about 5-6mm