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:

    Fuel evaporative emission control system components (Central Fuel Injection/CFI engines) - removal and refitting
    Carbon canister Removal 1 The carbon canister is located behind the bumper, under the front right-hand wheelarch (see illustration). 5.1 Carbon canister location (wheelarch liner removed) - CFI ...

    Steering gear - removal, overhaul and refitting
    Removal Note: New tie-rod balljoint split-pins must be used on refitting. 1 Set the front roadwheels in the straightahead position. 2 Raise the front of the vehicle and fit stands (see “Jacking ...

    General information
    The 1.1 litre, 1.3 litre, 1.4 litre and 1.6 litre CVH (Compound Valve angle, Hemispherical combustion chambers) engines are of four cylinder in-line overhead camshaft type, mounted transversely, t ...