pdub

Just replaced the hood struts in my 88 s4 and I noticed my hood is not perfectly flush with the qtr panel. Any tips on adjusting the hood before I start loosening bolts😄 ?

Thanks

Mrmerlin

before you do any adjusting ,
you need to know if you have the correct struts installed,
a quick way to tell is to take the strut and place one end on the ground ,
then with the other end in your hand press the strut closed if this is easy to do then you have a hood strut.
OTOH if you need two hands to hold the strut to compress it then you have a hatch strut

NOTE the hood struts are 35LB, the hatch is 100LB.

NOTE you can use old hatch struts on the hood if they are worn enough to be closed with one hand on the compression test

NOTE putting NEW hatch struts on the hood can snap off the pins and or bend the hood.

NOTE make sure the hood hinges are lubricated before working the hood open /closed

Wisconsin Joe

If it was good before, you shouldn't have to adjust anything.

It's bowing up about 1/2-2/3 of the way back, right?

MrMerlin is correct, as usual.

The first thing I'd do is hit the hinges with some spray lube. Work the hinges a few times and see what happens.

I had the same thing happen, but I knew that I had the correct struts. A bit of lube on the hinges and it was fine.

pdub

Thanks Mr Merlin. I'll double check the strut and apply some lube. 👍

pdub

The hood struts are both listed at 40lbs and while not exactly easy to compress with one hand I can do it. Lubed up the hinges and still have a bit of a hump. Any other suggestions before I adjust the hinges?

Randy V

Disconnect the hood shocks then slightly loosen the bolts attaching the hinge to the hood - just enough so you can move the hood.

Then gently close and lock the hood and push down on the high spots to bring them flush with the fender.

Carefully open the hood and tighten those bolts.

Bilal928S4

Disconnect and remove the struts. Close the hood. Does it line up? If it does you need struts with lesser force. Maybe 30-35 lbs.
I would try and align the hood hinge as the last resort.