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:

    Automatic transmission brake band adjustment (Every 24 000 miles (40 000 km) or 2 years)
    Note: A brake band torque wrench - Ford tool No 17-005, or a conventional torque wrench and a splined socket of suitable size to fit the square section head of the adjuster screw(s) will be requir ...

    Sump - removal and refitting
    Warning: A new sump gasket will be required on refitting, and suitable sealing compound will be required to coat the sump and cylinder block mating faces. Shims may be required when mating the e ...

    Fuel filler flap - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Open the filler flap and the tailgate or boot lid, as applicable. 2 Remove the fuel filler cap and then remove the screw securing the filler housing to the fuel tank neck (see illustrat ...