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:
Maintenance - upholstery and carpets
Mats and carpets should be brushed or
vacuum cleaned regularly to keep them free of
grit. If they are badly stained remove them from
the vehicle for scrubbing or sponging and make
quite sure they ...
Flywheel/driveplate - removal, inspection and refitting
Note: New flywheel securing bolts must be
used on refitting.
1.8 litre (R2A type)
1 Refer to Section 26, Chapter 2, Part A but
also note the following points.
2 The flywheel/driveplate securing b ...
Steering and suspension security check (Every 12 000 miles (20 000 km) or 12
months)
1 Check the shock absorbers by bouncing
the vehicle up and down at each corner in
turn. When released, it should come to rest
within one complete oscillation. Continued
movement, or squeaking and ...
