Just took apart my hood latch. Hood closes and locks intermittently. I took apart the whole assembly. 3 10mm bolts, 2 springs, and some metal. I left the latch wire running through the car. It looks bent or stretched where the tension and spring sits.

How can I clean and lubricate this best myself? There's a lot of wet dirt built up. Not sure what to use. Also, what kind of grease should I put on afterward, if at all?

Thanks.

thats all you can do, clean it and lube it up.