Hi, Does anyone know the correct tool size for the bonnet hinge bolts on this model? I thought I had the correct size socket to fit as it "Felt" right but when force was applied, it started to slip through the bolt, like a 14mm socket on a 13mm nut, if you see what I mean. 

 

I am referring to the actual bolts that fix the bonnet on to the bracket as I am planning on fitting bonnet struts as I originally planned this ages ago, then the seller increased the price, I held off the idea but have now eventually found a set, quite cheaply so intend to fit them and perhaps review them here afterwards, if successful.

They are fitted with a kind of star shaped bolt and I know VW use funny sizes so wanted to know what size I need to purchase, to do this job. I would think it likely others have done the mod and would know the tool needed.

Many thanks in advance.

Sorry not an answer, 

but among some of the several threads on the gas struts in this section there might be an answer.

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/234748-bonnet-gas=struts

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/298207-bonnet-gas-strut

 

The correct socket / bit is a T45

 

like :-

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/T45-TORX-STAR-BIT-SOCKET-1-2-DRIVE/323511459272?hash=item4b52c91dc8:g:Ke4AAOSw0i5bzZaR

 

PS where did you find em cheap, something I plan to fit aswell...

 

I found them on Aliexpress and once fitted, planned to pop up a post so wanted to know they were good, prior to recommending them (Or panning them, if cra-ubbish).

That said, they are on offer now at just over £18 and I paid a few pence over £20 so might be the time to buy, if confident of build quality. It is a pair of black lifters, like the boot has, not chrome but then again, I had chrome ones on a Yaris and they tend to corrode easily, needing constant cleaning and perhaps wiping with oily an  substance. 

 

 

Car Bonnet Hood Support Lift Spring Bracket Strut Bar Hydraulic Rod for Skoda Fabia 2007-2019 Car accessories

 

That, typed in to aliexpress, or look up Fabia bonnet lifters, should find you the item. There was a free microfibre cloth too so perhaps they still add that, perhaps removed it for the special offer price! 

 

P.S. Ordered T45, as a part of a ten piece set. Many thanks, Urban Panzer.

 

Also, I recently sought out a set of boot lift springs, to fully open the boot hatch, when the centre button of the remote is pressed. Need to fit them now.

 

Edited 7 May, 20197 yr by mrgf

...Fitted the boot lifter springs. Quite easy but my actual struts are just a little weak. Probably worth investing in a new pair but if cleaned and lubed, the boot will fully open from the remote.

Just ordered a set from sokie in tawain, so will see what import we get hit with.....

I originally posted that seller and brokered a post free price for Briskodians but their price want up making it quite expensive. Also heard of extra postal costs. I got none of that with the Aliexpress seller as they say its lower value etc. It keeps it just within the customs threshold.

yeah, £16 total is UK limit and that includes shipping costs, it does also depend "sometimes" what courier service is used, I have had Fedex stuff that comes through no issue, but often USPS then via parcel force is always chargable which you have to pay to get your item.

Edited 9 May, 20197 yr by UrbanPanzer

Got mine today from Sokie, 2 day delivery from Taiwan, most impressed.....they even went via Japan and paris

 

Look great though and so much better, car really should of had them from new

 

Packaged well, look well made and fitted in 10 mins.......highly recommended

 

Edited 10 May, 20197 yr by UrbanPanzer

Looks good Urban, how easy was the installation? Might be something I consider putting on my car. Have you also got the link to the ones you got in Taiwan?

Installation - 10 mins max.....

 

link....

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/06-14-Skoda-Roomster-Praktik-Fabia-koda-5J-Black-Strut-Bonnet-Shock-Hood-Damper/221601210455?epid=1234616450&hash=item3398762057:g:XSQAAOSwcF9UYGjr

I think he will do free postage for Briskoda members.

 

PS not sure / have not heard (if I will) have any import to pay yet...

Edited 10 May, 20197 yr by UrbanPanzer

My tool arrived Saturday and I had the time to fit them today. They were slightly more work then Mr Panzer's "Sokie" Variant but at around £20, worth the saving!

The main difference is the connection bracket, where it has a sliding fit and utilises both front and rear bolt, on the bonnet hinge.

 

This gives some degree of adjustability but I think it is pointless really. It also means you need to be a little cautious about removing the bolts to fit the bracket as there is a potential to mis-alight the bonnet. 

The easiest way is to remove the front, uppermost bolt first, lovely fit the bracket on, with just enough movement to slide a little, then remove the lower, rearmost bonnet hinge bolt, slide the bracket to align the hole, then tighten. Fit both sides first, check the bonnet lines up nicely and then proceed to fitting the dampers. It will be easier this way, as the dampers will just add resistance, making the alignment check and adjustment harder. 

You then bolt the dampers on to the brackets, with the ball jointed bolts that are on the struts already, bolt the other ball jointed bolts, along with washers on to the cars front panel. (You will need to remove the pre-fitted bolts to do this). Then just "Click" the struts to the ball joints. 

If you look at where UrbanPanzer fitted his lower fixings, mine fit to the bolt just in front, the silver ones with the large-ish washer. 

 

So, now I have front bonnet lifters and an automatic boot lifter, via the remote boot pop.

That said, my original boot lifters are a little weak so I ordered a new set and will replace them within a day or two. They lift but stick a little, needing a little encouragement to open fully. They are strong enough to hold up the tailgate but have always, at least for a few years, been slow or reluctant to fully lift the tailgate. 

This may be due to the extra weight of the parcel shelf, over estate versions, as they use the same force of lifter, partly to the added boot net thing I have on the shelf, to carry small items. This adds even more weight to the tailgate. 

I ordred a set of Dromedary branded, lifetime guarantee, struts, so hope they live up to their expectations! 

 

So, to the front lifters, I am happy with the price and the looks. Similar to the "Sokie" apart from the bracket. Mine looks a little more "Finished" but the Sokie ones looked better packaged. Mine were jiffy bagged and bubble wrapped, rather then nicely boxed but then, the box goes in the bin at the end!

 

They work nicely, not too much force they surprise you but a slow, steady raise to fully opened. I notice that fully opened is a few cm less then standard but this can most likely be dialled out, with a little adjustment on the bracket, which has around 100mm of adjustment, although in practice, this will most likely come down to half of that.

I may also have had the extra few cm, had I fitted the lower bracket the where UrbanPanzer did but when fitting, the other bolt hole looked "Right" and the thread was correct so I went with that! Not sure I can be bothered to play around more with it, to try gaining such a small difference.

In a sentence then,

Not as simple to fit but easy enough, half the price with no hidden "Extra" postage, Looks similar, works the same.