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:

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    Removal 1 Open the tailgate and prise out the trim panel using a wide-bladed screwdriver (see illustration). 12.1 Tailgate trim panel fixings - Hatchback and Estate models 2 Remove the lock bar ...

    Oil pump - removal and refitting
    Note: A suitable puller will be required to remove the crankshaft pulley. A new crankshaft pulley bolt, a new lower timing chain cover gasket, and a new oil pump gasket, must be used on refitting. ...

    Brake hydraulic system (ABS) - bleeding
    Caution: The rear brake hydraulic circuit may be under considerable pressure, take care not to allow hydraulic fluid to spray into the face or eyes. Refer to the precautions in Section 1. 1 Keep ...