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:

    Front seat air cushion assembly - removal and refitting
    Complete assembly - removal and refitting 1 Remove the seat. 2 Straighten the seat back cover retaining tangs, and pull the cover upwards to expose the air cushion. 3 Cut through the four securi ...

    Modulator (anti-lock braking system) - removal and refitting
    Note: Whenever an ABS modulator adjuster bolt is slackened or removed, the bolt threads should be lightly coated with grease to prevent the possibility of bolt seizure. Take care not to contaminat ...

    Rear hub bearings - renewal
    1 Raise and support the rear of the vehicle on stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle Support”). Remove the roadwheel and release the handbrake. 2 On fuel-injected models and Van versions undo the reta ...