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:

    Waste gate solenoid control valve - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 The solenoid control valve is mounted on a bracket located underneath the ignition distributor (see illustration). 21.1 Waste gate solenoid control valve location (arrowed) 2 Disconne ...

    Master cylinder - removal, overhaul and refitting
    Note: Before starting work, refer to the warning at the beginning of Section 3 concerning the dangers of hydraulic fluid. Removal 1 Disconnect the leads from the level warning switch in the reser ...

    Front hub carrier - removal and refitting
    Note: A balljoint separator tool will be required for this operation. Removal 1 Loosen the relevant front roadwheel nuts, apply the handbrake, jack up the front of the vehicle and support on axle ...