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:

    Engine/manual gearbox assembly - removal and separation
    Note: A suitable hoist and lifting tackle will be required for this operation. 1.8 litre (R2A type) Removal 1 Proceed as described in Section 8, paragraphs 1 to 15 inclusive. 2 Working inside th ...

    Tie-rod end - 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 ...

    Air cleaner element renewal (Every 24 000 miles (40 000 km) or 2 years)
    Carburettor models 1 Remove the screws from the top of the air cleaner cover (see illustration). 38.1 Remove the air cleaner cover screws . . . 2 Where applicable release the spring clips aroun ...