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:

    Diagram 4b: 1986-on KE-Jetronic fuel injection
    Diagram 4b: 1986-on KE-Jetronic fuel injection For starting and charging circuits see Diagram 1a ...

    Rear suspension front mounting (Saloon, Hatchback and Estate models) - renewal
    1 Chock the front wheels, jack up the rear of the vehicle and support on axle stands placed under the side members. 2 Unscrew and remove the three bolts securing the relevant front guide plate to ...

    Alternator drivebelt check (Every 6000 miles or 6 months)
    1 A conventional vee drivebelt is used to drive both the alternators and water pump pulleys on OHV and HCS engines, and the alternator pulley only on CVH engines, power being transmitted via a pul ...