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:

    Rear anti-roll bar (Saloon and Estate models) - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Slacken the left-hand roadwheel bolts, raise and support the rear of the car on stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle Support”). Remove the roadwheel. 2 Lever the shackles from the right and ...

    Fuel tank - removal and refitting
    The procedures are the same as described in Part A of this Chapter for carburettor engines, but in addition disconnect the fuel tank-to-fuel pump hose from the rear face of the tank. ...

    Cylinder head - removal and refitting
    Removal Note: On HCS engines, cylinder head bolts may be used a total of three times (including initial fit) and must be suitably marked to indicate each removal operation. A new cylinder head ga ...