05Mk2 Focus: Broken Bonnet Realaese

[Nick220]

Hi there!

Got a 2005 Mk2 Focus 1.6 TDCI LX Estate with a broken bonnet catch. Only owned the thing for about a month, it opened when i inspected it before buying, although i remember thinking the mechanism didn't fill me with confidence. Now turning the key in the slot under the badge does nothing- i forced the grill upwards and inside found that the plastic arm (looks like this except mine is black: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Focus-bonnet-catch-latch-handle-arm-S2018-/161125977920?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2583db4f40 ) connecting the lock and the opening mechanism was broken.

My attempted solution was to repair the plastic arm with epoxy resin glue which worked nicely for the arm, but upon re-instalation the left turn of the key was OK, the right turn met undue resistance about half way through and gentle fource caused the arm to snap again (in a different location- the epoxy resin is clearly stronger then the plastic).

I can buy a new plastic arm cheap enough but i'm not convinced that this will do any better- Any suggestions? If at all possible i'd like to avoid fully removing the grill as that seemingly involves cutting its plastic rivets.

NB: It is NOT the same mechanism as the one commonly featured in how-too guides such as this one: http://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/35338-guide-to-fixing-common-focus-bonnet-lock-problem/

Any help greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[mick85]

It's only 30 quid for the kit but u have build it urself !Removed! design I often had replace 3 times on same car

[jeebowhite]

This is exactly why I am looking at replacing it with a lock pin set or similar...