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:

    Engine/automatic transmission assembly - reconnection and refitting
    1 Reverse the procedure described in paragraphs 1 to 25 of Section 8, noting the following points. 2 Check that the engine adapter plate is correctly positioned on its locating dowels. If necessa ...

    Rear stub axle carrier Saloon and Estate models) - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Raise and support the rear of the car on stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle Support”). Remove the roadwheel. 2 Remove the rear hub as described in Section 9. 3 Remove the rear brake shoe ...

    Front suspension lower arm inner pivot bush - renewal
    1 To improve access, raise the front of the vehicle on ramps. Apply the handbrake. 2 Unscrew and remove the nut, washer and pivot bolt securing the relevant lower arm to the crossmember. 3 Remove ...