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:

    Handbrake cables - renewal
    1 Chock the front wheels, then fully release the handbrake. 2 Raise and support the vehicle at the rear with axle stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle Support”). Primary cable 3 Extract the spring c ...

    Steering and suspension security check (Every 12 000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months)
    1 Check the shock absorbers by bouncing the vehicle up and down at each corner in turn. When released, it should come to rest within one complete oscillation. Continued movement, or squeaking and ...

    Thermostat - removal, testing and refitting
    OHV engines Note: A new gasket must be used on refitting. Removal 1 Drain the cooling system as described in Chapter 1. 2 Slacken the clips and disconnect the hoses at the thermostat housing (se ...