Description
Stop hood shake with an OEM‑fit hood latch for half the price
Keep your sheet‑metal secure on the roughest roads with the FleetChoice FL560001C Hood Latch, an exact replacement for PACCAR/Peterbilt L56‑0001. Molded from UV‑stabilised EPDM and paired with a galvanized steel bracket, this latch resists cracking and stretch for > 500,000 cycles—double the ANSI spec for heavy‑duty hoods.
Why choose FleetChoice?
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Factory‑balanced tension: eliminates flutter at highway speeds.
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9‑inch overall length matches OEM hole centres—no drilling.
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Corrosion‑proof bushings protect the stainless spring pin.
Cross‑reference numbers
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PACCAR: L56‑0001, L56‑0001‑2, L56‑0001V
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Peterbilt: 13‑04339, 23‑13857, 2313857, 63011005A
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Kenworth: L560001
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Dorman: 315‑5401 / 315‑5401CD
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Newstar: S‑18892
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World American: WA18‑8038
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ATRO: HL00‑64001
Fits these truck models
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Peterbilt 357, 367, 377, 378, 379, 388, 389 (1987‑2019)
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Kenworth T300 (’93‑08), T600/T600A/T600B (’87‑07), T800 (’87‑10), W900B/L (’87‑10)
Two latches required per hood—order left & right sides.
Specifications
| Overall length | 9.00 in |
| Width | 2.00 in |
| Height | 0.90 in |
| Shipping weight | 0.40 lb |
| Material | EPDM rubber & Zn‑plated steel |
Product Overview
This aftermarket left-hand hood latch is a critical safety component that keeps the hood securely closed while the truck is in operation. On commercial trucks with large, forward-tilting or heavy hoods, the latch is under constant load from vibration, road shock, wind pressure, and repeated opening during inspections and service. When the latch wears out or no longer holds properly, the issue becomes obvious quickly and it’s not something that can be ignored.
A failing hood latch creates a real safety risk for the driver and surrounding traffic.
What the Hood Latch Does
The hood latch locks the hood to the chassis and prevents upward or lateral movement while driving. It works together with the hood hinges, release mechanism, and safety catch to ensure the hood stays fully secured at all speeds. When properly adjusted, the latch allows the hood to close evenly and stay locked without excessive force.
On trucks that see frequent service access, the latch is cycled often. Over time, that repeated use leads to internal wear, reduced holding tension, or misalignment.
Common Problems This Part Solves
Worn hood latches often show up as hoods that are difficult to close, won’t stay latched, or sit unevenly once closed. Drivers may notice rattling at speed, visible hood movement over bumps, or the hood partially releasing after driving over rough roads. Corrosion and dirt buildup can also prevent the latch from engaging fully.
If the latch fails completely, the hood can lift unexpectedly while driving. This is a serious safety concern.
Why Timely Replacement Matters
Delaying hood latch replacement can lead to secondary issues, including hinge damage, hood misalignment, and stress on the release cable. Replacing a worn latch early helps maintain proper hood fitment and prevents more costly repairs later. From a safety standpoint, a secure hood latch is non-negotiable.
Compatibility and Fitment
This aftermarket hood latch replaces the referenced OEM part number L56-0001 and is intended for applications requiring a left-hand (driver-side) latch. Left- and right-hand latches are not interchangeable. Always verify side orientation and vehicle compatibility before installation.
Installation and Service Notes
Installation involves removing the existing latch and installing the replacement in the factory mounting location. Final adjustment is critical to ensure proper hood alignment and positive engagement. During installation, it’s recommended to inspect hood hinges, bushings, and the release mechanism for wear that could affect latch performance.
Use Case
This hood latch is commonly used in fleet maintenance, collision repair, and routine service work where worn or damaged latches need to be replaced to restore safe operation. When replacing a hood latch, it’s a good idea to inspect hood hinges, release cables, and the opposite-side latch.
About Us
We’re a family-owned group of Peterbilt dealerships dedicated to getting you the parts you need quickly and affordably. Whether you’re looking for Paccar OEM parts, reliable aftermarket replacements, or popular upgrades like seats and filters, we make it easy to keep your truck running and on the road. If you don’t see what you need online, just give us a call or send an email — chances are we can get it. We pride ourselves on fast service, fair prices, and being a partner you can depend on when downtime isn’t an option.
