Major body damage - repair

Where serious damage has occurred or large areas need renewal due to neglect, it means that completely new sections or panels will need welding in, and this is best left to professionals. If the damage is due to impact, it will also be necessary to completely check the alignment of the bodyshell structure. Due to the principle of construction, the strength and shape of the whole car can be affected by damage to one part. In such instances the service of a dealer with specialist checking jigs are essential. If a body is left misaligned, it is first of all dangerous, as the car will not handle properly, and secondly uneven stresses will be imposed on the steering, engine and transmission, causing abnormal wear or complete failure. Tyre wear may also be excessive.

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    Examination and renovation
    1 Clean all components using paraffin and a stiff brush, except the crankshaft, which should be wiped clean and the oil passages cleaned out with a length of wire. 2 Never assume that a component ...

    Radiator - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 2 Drain the cooling system. 3 If not already done, disconnect the bottom hose from the radiator. 4 Disconnect the top hose and the expansion tank ...

    Fuel pressure regulator - removal and refitting
    Note: Refer to the precautions at the end of Section 1 before proceeding. A new sealing ring will be required on refitting. Removal 1 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 2 Depressurise the fuel ...