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.

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    Oil pump - removal and refitting
    Note: New oil pump and oil pick-up tube gaskets should be used when refitting. Removal 1 With the engine removed, proceed as follows. 2 Remove the timing belt, crankshaft sprocket and thrustwash ...

    Interior pillar trim panels - removal and refitting
    Front pillar 1 Remove the two trim panel securing screws and withdraw the panel (see illustration).. 41.1 Interior pillar trim panel fixings - Hatchback models A Front pillar trim panel B1 Cent ...

    Rear roadspring (Saloon and Estate models) - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Raise the rear of the car and support it on stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle Support”). Remove the roadwheel. 2 Support the suspension lower arm by placing a jack beneath the spring sea ...