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:

    Airflow meter - removal and refitting
    Note: A tachometer and an exhaust gas analyser will be required to check the idle mixture on completion. 1 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 2 Depress the locking clip on the airflow meter wi ...

    Power steering gear - removal and refitting
    Note: New power steering fluid hose O-rings will be required when refitting. Removal 1 The procedure is as described for manual steering gear with the following differences (see illustration). ...

    Suspension and steering
    General information The front suspension is of independent MacPherson strut type incorporating coil springs and integral telescopic shock absorbers. The lower end of each strut is attached to a h ...