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.

    See also:

    Sunroof - removal, refitting and adjustment
    Glass panel - removal and refitting 1 Open the sunblind and remove the three screws and clips shown (see illustration) then slide the lower frame rearwards into the roof. 39.1 Sunroof lower fr ...

    Expansion tank and coolant level sensor - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 With the engine cold, slowly unscrew the expansion tank cap to release any remaining pressure from the cooling system. Remove the cap. 2 Place a suitable container beneath the expansio ...

    Carbon canister-purge solenoid (models with catalytic converter) - removal and refitting
    2.0 litre DOHC models 1 The purge solenoid is located next to the carbon canister, on the right-hand side of the engine compartment. 2 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 3 Disconnect the solen ...