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 tie-bar - removal and refitting
Pre-May 1983 1.1 litre models
Removal
1 Jack up the front of the car and support it
on stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle Support”).
2 Unscrew and remove the nut which holds
the tie-bar to the larg ...
Rear suspension lower arm (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”).
2 On cars equipped with the anti-lock braking
system, refer to Chapter 9 and remove the
load appo ...
Bulbs (exterior lamps) - renewal
Headlamp
1 From within the engine compartment pull
the multi-plug from the rear of the headlamp.
2 Remove the rubber gaiter and rotate the
bulb securing clip or release the spring clip
arms accor ...
