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:

    Timing chain and sprockets - removal and refitting
    Note: Refer to the warning at the beginning of Section 5 before proceeding. A suitable puller will be required to remove the crankshaft pulley. A new crankshaft pulley bolt, a new timing chain ten ...

    Clock - removal and refitting
    Facia mounted clock Removal 1 Remove the instrument panel (Section 9). 2 Undo the screws around the edge of the instrument panel at the rear and separate the two panel halves. 3 Undo the nuts an ...

    Engine oil cooler - removal and refitting
    Note: Suitable sealant will be required on refitting - see text. Removal 1 Remove the engine oil filter (Chapter 1). 2 Note the angle at which the coolant hoses are set, then disconnect the hoses ...