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:

    Bonnet release cable - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Working inside the vehicle, extract the three screws and remove the steering column shroud. Open the bonnet. If the cable is broken, the release latch must be operated using a suitably ...

    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 ...

    Crankshaft rear oil seal - renewal
    Note: New flywheel/driveplate bolts must be used on refitting. 1 Remove the flywheel/driveplate and the engine adapter plate. 2 Extract the seal using an oil seal removal tool if available. It ma ...