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:

    Heater controls - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 2 Remove the securing screws and unclip the lower and upper steering column shrouds. 3 Remove the four securing screws and withdraw the instrument ...

    Pistons and connecting rods - removal and refitting
    1.8 litre (R2A type) Removal 1 With the engine removed from the vehicle, remove the sump and the cylinder head. 2 Check the big-end caps for identification marks and if necessary use a centre-pun ...

    Carbon canister-purge solenoid (models with catalytic converter) - removal and refitting
    2.0 litre DOHC models 1 The purge solenoid is located next to the carbon canister, on the right-hand side of the engine compartment. 2 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 3 Disconnect the solen ...