polecat702

I'm the 3rd owner of my 89 S4. Some times I'm amazed at how many things are just missing on my car. Mostly, just small items that being the 3rd owner, you'd never know is missing, till you start wondering why Porsche didn't make it so a particular item didn't come apart.

I've had 2 of these cars, and never knew till this evening that the hood release lever has a cover. Did the search thing, and found a thread about this very thing. And it included the part number.

It's only 10 bucks, you'd think that the last owner would have replaced such a cheap part. WTF?

BTW, I ordered it.

Dave928S

The previous owner of my '82 was acknowledged on a forum here in Australia as being an expert. Once I started digging in to it after I bought it, I found all the hack work he'd done, which was never ending. I had many, many WTF moments.

Obviously my standards must be unrealistically high, or all those who regard him as competent are backyard hacks. I'm leaning towards the second conclusion.

My hood release was also incomplete, along with a multitude of other things.

worf928

That (missing) outer not-just-for-vanity cover for the release handle actually helps distribute point stress on the much bigger base. Without the cover the base will break.

Believe it or not the cover is not easy to install and have it 'stick.' That's, I think, why I find many of them missing but with a broken base. There's a trick to it best discovered by removing the base and then practicing assembly in your La-Z-Boy (or Ekornes Stressless.)

polecat702

Thanks Dave! I'll practice with it when it gets here.

GT6ixer

I am a little confused about this part. It's called a cover but does it actually cover the release handle such that you have to remove or open it to gain access to the handle? Based on your description (and the PET diagram) it doesn't seem like this piece is actually covering anything up but rather provides support to the handle?

Mrmerlin

this is a good time to replace the base cover and the top cover.

usually the base is cracked around the mounting bolts , and the cable housing seating area.
the top has the small fingers snapped off.

Practice a few times without forcing the key is that the center post is a catch for the top cover.

NOTE a crafty installer may put the handle and cable housing into the base cover,
then put the bolts into the base cover,
then fit the top cover .
then install the whole part into the car.

NOTE the top cover should hold the cap screws in place so they can be started.

polecat702

Nate,

Look at section 55, Lids, cable replacement. the service manual has a good picture of the cover in place.

GT6ixer

Ahhh I see now. Thanks for the reference.

worf928

It covers the pivot point of the handle and ensures that the handle rotates squarely on the pivot axis. Without the cover it is easy to put eccentric force on the handle which can break the pivot or - more likely - snap the base where the cable is snapped-in.

ROG100

Hood Pull Cover 928 511 143 02 70B = $12.25
Hood Pull Cup 928 511 173 02 70B = $7.50
Hood Pull Handle 928 511 175 02 70B = $6.00
We stock them all as well as the cable.

GT6ixer

See, that is awesome. This is a prime example that goes against the myth that 928 parts are hard to find and expensive. You the Man Roger!

dr bob

These look like things that need to be serviced (at minimum), especially after reading past cries for help with broken cables and handles. Maybe replacement of these inexpensive bits and a thorough cleaning and lubrication of the latch mechanism is in order. Roger, how much is the cable itself to make a full "kit"?

polecat702

I think the biggest issue is that the hood post is screwed into the upper lock to far. My hood was so tight when it was closed that I've broken the inside cup bracket 3 times. I've since readjusted the post where it holds the hood closed, matches up with the fenders, and front nose, while still being able to pull the release handle with little effort. Of course another factor for the cup bracket breaking, is my car was missing the cover bracket.

I wonder how many of these cars are missing the cover like mine? I never expected a response to this thread like there has been at all.

ROG100

The cable is $69.

docmirror

Not to cut into profits, but I've had good luck lubricating the cable. Take it out of the clasp at the base(9 in the diagram), or just remove the base screws and tilt it up by removing screw 19, and cable stay. Then take your WD-40 straw end and tape around the straw to the end of the wire cable where it goes into the shield. Squeeze or pinch the taped joint with your fingers, and spritz some WD-40 down into the cable. Actuate the cable a few times to get it worked down in there. Gravity will do more later. Reassemble and enjoy nice soft cable pulls which don't damage the handle or base.