Toyota 53301-02130 Hood Sub-Assembly

The hood is heavy and somewhat awkward to remove and install, so at least two people should perform this procedure. Begin by making marks around the hinge plate to ensure proper alignment during installation. Use blankets or pads to cover the cowl area of the body and fenders to protect the paint as the hood is lifted off. Disconnect any cables or wires that may interfere with removal; on some models, it may be necessary to remove the lower two hood insulation retaining pins and peel the insulation back enough to disconnect the windshield washer hoses. Have an assistant support one side of the hood while you support the other, and simultaneously remove the hinge-to-hood bolts before lifting off the hood. For installation, follow the reverse process. To adjust the hood, move the hinge plate slot after loosening the bolts for fore-and-aft and side-to-side adjustments. Scribe a line around the entire hinge plate to judge the amount of movement, then loosen the bolts or nuts and move the hood into correct alignment, tightening the hinge bolts and carefully lowering the hood to check the position. If necessary, the entire hood latch assembly can be adjusted up-and-down as well as from side-to-side on the radiator support to ensure the hood closes securely and flush with the fenders. Scribe a line around the hood latch mounting bolts for reference, loosen them, reposition the latch assembly, and repeat the procedure until the hood is flush with the fenders, then retighten the mounting bolts. Finally, adjust the hood bumpers on the radiator support so the hood is flush with the fenders when closed, and periodically lubricate the hood latch assembly and hinges with white, lithium-base grease to prevent binding and wear.

Before removing the hood, you should mark the hinge plate for proper alignment during installation and use blankets or pads to protect the body and paint.