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:

    Electronic modules - removal and refitting
    Note: Refer to Section 1 for precautions to be observed when working with electronic modules. 1 Disconnect the battery negative lead. All ESC modules except ESC (early “Economy” models) 2 All mo ...

    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 ...

    Steering column - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Set the front wheels in the straight-ahead position. 2 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 3 Remove the driver’s side lower facia trim panels. 4 Remove the screws and withdraw the s ...