Toyota 53301-35151 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. Make marks around the hood hinge to ensure proper alignment during reinstallation. With an assistant supporting one side of the hood, remove the clips from each end of the support and detach the supports from the hood. Take turns removing the hinge-to-hood bolts and lift off the hood while supporting it with your shoulder. For installation, align the hinge bolts with the previously made marks. Fore-and-aft and side-to-side adjustments of the hood can be made by moving the hinge plate slot after loosening the bolts or nuts; however, factory bolts are centering-type and must be replaced with standard bolts with flat washers and lock washers for adjustment. Mark around the entire hinge plate to determine the amount of movement, then loosen the bolts and adjust the hood into the correct alignment, tightening the hinge bolts afterward. If necessary, the entire hood latch assembly can be adjusted up-and-down and side-to-side on the radiator support to ensure the hood closes securely and flush with the fenders. Mark around the hood latch mounting bolts for reference, loosen them, and reposition the latch assembly as needed, then retighten the bolts. Finally, adjust the hood bumpers so that the hood is flush with the fenders when closed by turning each edge cushion clockwise to lower or counterclockwise to raise the hood. Periodically lubricate the hood latch assembly and hinges with white, lithium-base grease to prevent binding and wear.