Introduction
General information This Chapter is designed to help the home mechanic maintain his/her vehicle for safety, economy, long life and peak performance.
The Chapter contains a master maintenance schedule, followed by Sections dealing specifically with each task on the schedule. Visual checks, adjustments, component renewal and other helpful items are included. Refer to the accompanying illustrations of the engine compartment and the underside of the vehicle for the locations of the various components.
Servicing of your vehicle in accordance with the mileage/time maintenance schedule and the following Sections will provide a planned maintenance program, which should result in a long and reliable service life. This is a comprehensive plan, so maintaining some items but not others at the specified service intervals will not produce the same results.
As you service your vehicle, you will discover that many of the procedures can - and should - be grouped together because of the particular procedure being performed, or because of the close proximity of two otherwise unrelated components to one another. For example, if the vehicle is raised for any reason, the exhaust can be inspected at the same time as the suspension and steering components.
The first step in this maintenance program is to prepare yourself before the actual work begins. Read through all the Sections relevant to the work to be carried out, then make a list and gather together all the parts and tools required. If a problem is encountered, seek advice from a parts specialist, or a dealer service department.
See also:
Rear suspension/final drive unit rear mounting (Saloon, Hatchback and Estate
models) - renewal
Note: From May 1986, revised rear
suspension/final drive unit rear mounting bolts
have been used in production. Whenever the
earlier type of bolts are removed, they should
be discarded and the lat ...
Engine - removal leaving manual gearbox in vehicle
Note: A suitable hoist and lifting tackle will be
required for this operation.
1.8 litre (R2A type)
1 Disconnect the battery negative lead.
2 Remove the bonnet.
3 Remove the air cleaner.
4 Disco ...
Expansion tank and coolant level sensor - removal and refitting
Removal
1 With the engine cold, slowly unscrew the
expansion tank cap to release any remaining
pressure from the cooling system. Remove
the cap.
2 Place a suitable container beneath the
expansio ...
