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 wheel bearings - renewal
    1 Remove the hub carrier. 2 Reverse the roadwheel nuts and screw them fully onto the studs to protect the threads, then mount the hub carrier assembly in a vice as shown (see illustration). 6.2 ...

    Crankshaft front oil seal - renewal
    1 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 2 Slacken the alternator mounting and adjuster bolts and after pushing the alternator in towards the engine, slip off the drivebelt. 3 Unscrew and remove th ...

    Hydraulic pipes and hoses - renewal
    Note: Before starting work, refer to the warning at the beginning of Section 3 concerning the dangers of hydraulic fluid. 1 Always disconnect a flexible hose by prising out the spring anchor clip ...