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:

    Door handle and lock components - removal and refitting
    Door exterior handle Removal 1 Remove the door trim panel (Section 11). 2 Peel back the waterproof sheet as necessary to gain access (see illustration). 13.2 Peel back the waterproof sheet for ...

    Rear axle tube (Van models) - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it on stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle Support”). Remove the rear roadwheels. 2 Support the axle tube on a jack preferably of trolley type. 3 ...

    Steering gear - removal, overhaul and refitting
    Removal Note: New tie-rod balljoint split-pins must be used on refitting. 1 Set the front roadwheels in the straightahead position. 2 Raise the front of the vehicle and fit stands (see “Jacking ...