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:

    Fuses and relays
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    Knock sensor - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 The knock sensor is screwed into the cylinder block, near the oil filter (see illustration). 15.1 Knock sensor location - 1.4 CFI engine A Knock sensor B Wiring plug C Securing bolt ...

    Front brake disc pad check (Every 6000 miles or 6 months)
    1 Place a mirror between the roadwheel and the caliper and check the thickness of the friction material of the disc pads (see illustration). If the material has worn down to the specified minimum ...