Bonnet not closing - stiff release cable SORTED

Afternoon all...

Just had an issue with my (now getting on a bit) Superb after topping up the washer, the bonnet wouldn't latch shut.

It just bounced back up when trying to close resulting in panic/stress as its needed for work..

I pulled the release lever and tried again and it closed this time thankfully but seeking thoughts on how to proceed without getting stuck with an open bonnet.

I didn't want to re-open until prepared to deal with it to avoid being stuck...

The release lever has been stiff for as long as I can remember despite regular dosing the latch mechanism with WD40/lithium grease spray, just assumed it was a Superb trait...

The catch lever under the bonnet is very free moving as I know that can seize up.

I guess a couple of questions -

Can you get to the cable end to lubricate directly, couldn't really see ? Thinking I will direct copious amounts of spray into the cable end.

Is there a joint in the cable or mechanism under the slam panel which needs lubricating ?

Any recommended spray lubricant ? (I have been using white lithium with no issues until now...)

Is it better to replace the cable entirely ? (anyone have a part number or diagram of the installation ?)

UPDATE 28/02/26

So I have basically answered my questions with a bit of investigation and I'd recommend any Mk2 owner doing this as a bit of preventative maintenance.

Cleaned up the bonnet latch with a load of brake cleaner which got rid of a lot of old white lithium grease that had congeled along with a bit or road dirt etc.

Did the same for the release mechanism lever which was already free but did no harm.

I then had a poke around and found the cable joint mechanism under the slam panel just above the nearside headlamp.

This is held by a couple of clips which easily pulls off to give better access to the arrangement.

I know that this housing is where the cable joint can get detached but mine remained intact.

The housing clearly can come apart which means spray oil can penetrate so I doused about half a can of 'Rocket' spray into each end of the cable, and also all over.

A rag placed beneath caught all the drips.

I worked the release lever and immediately noticed a massive difference, it has freed up hugely and is now springing back as you'd expect.

So this joint housing seems to be the cause of a lot of the sticking issues so a liberal douse of spray every so often should keep it free and might stop your bonnet cable becoming detached.

Many thanks

Dave

Edited 1 March1 Mar by TasMan