Toyota 53301-04170 Hood Sub-Assembly

The hood is somewhat awkward to remove and install, so at least two people should perform this procedure. To begin, open the hood and place blankets or pads over the fenders and cowl area to protect the body and paint during the lift. Disconnect any cables or wires that may interfere with removal, including the windshield washer tubing near the right-side hinge. Mark the hood in relation to the hinges to ensure proper alignment during reinstallation by drawing alignment marks around the hinge plates. With an assistant supporting one side of the hood, take turns removing the hinge-to-hood bolts and lift off the hood, supporting it with your shoulder while removing the mounting bolts. For installation, align the hood using the previously made marks. For adjustment, replace the hinge and latch factory mounting bolts with regular bolts of the same grade and washers. Fore-and-aft and side-to-side adjustments can be made by moving the hood in relation to the hinge plate slots while the bolts are loose. Mark the hood around the hinge plates to determine the amount of movement, then loosen the bolts and adjust the hood into the correct alignment, tightening the hinge bolts afterward. Carefully lower the hood to check its position, ensuring uniform gaps between each fender. If necessary, the entire hood latch assembly can be adjusted up-and-down and side-to-side to ensure the hood closes securely and is relatively flush with the fenders. Remove the radiator grill and the hood latch cover, marking the relationship of the hood latch to the radiator support before loosening the mounting bolts to reposition the latch assembly as needed. After adjustment, retighten the mounting bolts. Finally, adjust the hood cushions so that when closed, the hood is flush with the fenders by rotating the cushions to achieve the desired height. Periodically lubricate the hood latch assembly and hinges with white, lithium-base grease to prevent binding and wear, and complete the installation in reverse order of removal.