I replaced the passenger hood hinge on my 2004 coupe already. But what bugged me was why... why was it bent to begin with? My parents have an 2003 sedan with the same issue. Yet my friend's 2003 sedan hinge isnt bent. The main difference was HOW we lifted the car up during oil changes. I would normally prop the hood and jack one side up, do the oil change. While he used ramps to get underneath. The weight of the hood is too much for one of the hinges, which causes it to bend.

So if you do your own oil change by jacking. i recommend lowering the hood (not close) during the change. Not sure how many people know this, but thought id share it.

 

Hood struts are one of my favorite $20 mods for the G especially the DIY'er. Why in the world they didn't come stock on a "luxury" car is beyond me. Installing a pair will even out the pressure on the hinges helping to eliminate the possibility of bending one or both. And for all of us that change their own oil a Fumoto valve is a godsend, if you don't have a clue what that is Google the mf'er. It's my second favorite $20 mod and an aluminum undertray is always a good idea as well.

 

They are thin and aluminum. Hood hinges are a common problem, just be sure to keep them lubed.

 

I actually plan on putting on an aluminum undertray. I need to get a new bumper too tho. One night while driving. I shifted lanes and ran over a blown out tire on the highway. Ripped off my undertray and both wheel weather guards... the holes underneath the bumper are gone and its slightly ripped. Used zip ties to stop the rip.

As for the hood hinges, i already lubed them lithium grease. Its been awhile so i should prob do that again. But having or not having grease on a hinge, wouldnt cause that much stress for a bend to occur.
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My main reason for NOT switching to a Fumoto is I'm a big believer in magnetic drain plugs. They are quick and easy though.

 

Hood struts and the fumoto valve is nice. But Id like to not add extra parts when not really needed. Fumoto would be good for oil samples tho

 

Yes, it would. And its a common issue on these cars.

 

If thats true, then wouldnt both hinges bend within the same time frame.

 

No, one side starts to bind up and the geometry of the hinge causes it to start wearing the paint on the fender a little before it's finally shot. They're pretty flimsy hinges to begin with considering the weight it's supporting but they do look really nice being all recessed back and whatnot.

 

And this ^ is why I advocate hood struts. They take 10 minutes to install and they keep even pressure on both sides of the hood helping to prevent the stress on one side or the other that bends the hinges. For $20 why people would not do it is my question.

 

I have a new set of oem hinges on the way for my 2005 G35. The car isn't where I can check it atm, is it setup already for the hood struts or is there a kit somewhere to add them? This would be a must do for me if someone can point me in the right direction.
Thanks
Charlie

 

There are YouTube videos showing installation on a G35.

 

Found some and they are on the way. I love new toys =)

Charlie

 

Although I've been rocking the fumoto valve for years I have been seriously thinking about going back to a drain plug. The valve is great and all but damn it drains SLOW.