The bonnet damper, as the name implies, is a device that smoothly lowers and opens the bonnet. This improves usability and reduces the risk of pinching your fingers. On most models, especially budget ones, a steel stop is installed instead of a shock absorber.

1. VECTRA B Hatchback (J96)
2. VECTRA B (J96)
3. VECTRA B Estate (J96)
4. VECTRA (B) Saloon (J96)
5. VECTRA (B) Hatchback (J96)
6. VECTRA (B) Estate (J96)
7. See more in applications

The principle of the STABILUS brand Gas Spring, bonnet work

The main purpose of the gas spring is to prevent the very common injuries caused by abruptly lowering the bonnet. And of course, with such a device, the service life of the cover itself and of the body elements adjacent to it is extended, since when lowering it does not pop, but smoothly and quietly falls into place. The shock absorber also holds the hood securely in the raised position.

The design of the shock absorber is as follows. This is the cylinder from which the stem comes out. The other end of the cylinder is hinged to the bonnet and the piston rod to the body of the vehicle. Depending on the design, the piston rests against an elastic gas medium or gas-oil medium.