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:

    Brake pedal - removal, refitting and adjustment
    Removal 1 Working within the vehicle, remove the under-dash cover panel. 2 Extract the spring clip which connects the pushrod to the arm of the brake pedal. 3 Extract the circlip from the end of ...

    Handbrake - adjustment
    1 Adjustment of the handbrake is normally automatic by means of the self-adjusting mechanism working on the rear brake shoes. 2 However, due to cable stretch, occasional inspection of the handbrak ...

    Major operations possible with the engine in the car
    The following work can be carried out without having to remove the engine: a) Timing belt - renewal. b) Camshaft oil seal - renewal. c) Camshaft - removal and refitting. d) Cylinder head - remova ...