Bonnet Strut

[valentino]

Just wondered if anyone has fitted a bonnet gas strut to the 8.5?

[JoeGTI]

Just wondered if anyone has fitted a bonnet gas strut to the 8.5?

Yep! I got the RacingLine one for my MK8 5 years ago and I moved it to my 8.5 when I changed last year.

[CrunchtheApple78]

Oooh, good shout. Is it easy to change? I think it’s such a dangerous thing not to have a gas strut. The risk of broken hands/wrists is too high.

I’m waiting for my new CS at the moment, so will order one if they are an easy DIY’er fit.

[JoeGTI]

Oooh, good shout. Is it easy to change? I think it’s such a dangerous thing not to have a gas strut. The risk of broken hands/wrists is too high.

I’m waiting for my new CS at the moment, so will order one if they are an easy DIY’er fit.

Very simple DIY job. 5 minutes.

You undo this one bolt on the bonnet itself and replace it with a bolt that's included with the strut. The other end of the strut slots into a slot on the chassis that is still there for that exact reason, despite the lack of said strut.

[valentino]

Thanks for that Joe. Does it clear all the vulnerable bits in the engine bay? I read that some brands of gas strut can cause rubbing issues

[JoeGTI]

Thanks for that Joe. Does it clear all the vulnerable bits in the engine bay? I read that some brands of gas strut can cause rubbing issues

Oh yeah, so the rubber hose from the coolant reservoir may rub on it when the bonnet is closed. Easily solved by loosening the clamp on that hose (with a pliers) and turning the hose to the right, about 45 degrees, so it'll no longer foul the strut.

[valentino]

Thanks Joe

[CrunchtheApple78]

Great info, thank you.  Ordered!

[valentino]

ORDERED

[Beebopper]

It’s a worthy mod, not very expensive either. Racingline provides detailed instructions, it’s simple and takes 5-10mins, just make sure you adjust the coolant hose as detailed to avoid running (as Joe says).