having the hinge off is the easiest way to see it - if the main pivot pin is worn sloppy [the hole mostly], the hinge halves move so the spring is pulling the halves in directions that result in releasing spring tension - might be able to see it if you just take the springs off .... if you have a hood that doesn't lay flat at the back when closed, and it does when you take off the springs, worn hinges are the problem - usually the problem when the hood won't stay all the way up as well
new hinges I've gotten come with new springs, and they worked great, but I've used old springs on new hinges, and that worked fine too ... takes a lot to wear out those springs!
Bill
