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:

    Rear wheel cylinder (drum brakes) - removal, overhaul and refitting
    Caution: Refer to the precautions in Section 1. Saloon, Hatchback and Estate models 1 Chock the front wheels, loosen the relevant roadwheel nuts, then jack up the rear of the vehicle and support ...

    Electrical fault finding - general information
    Note: Refer to the precautions given in “Safety first!” and in Section 1 of this Chapter before starting work. The following tests relate to testing of the main electrical circuits, and should not ...

    Steering column adjuster - dismantling and reassembly
    Note: A new adjuster locknut and washer must be used on reassembly. Dismantling 1 To dismantle the adjuster assembly, proceed as follows. 2 Remove the locknut and washer securing the adjuster th ...