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:

    Heater matrix - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 With the heater removed from the vehicle as previously described, extract the two securing screws and slide the matrix out of the heater casing. 2 If further dismantling is necessary, c ...

    Tailgate/boot lid/fuel filler flap release cable - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Operate the control lever to open the tailgate/boot lid and the fuel filler flap (see illustration). 14.1 Tailgate/boot lid/fuel filler flap control lever assembly 2 Remove the driver ...

    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 ...