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:
Alternator - removal and refitting
Removal
1 Disconnect the battery leads.
2 Disconnect the multi-plug, or disconnect
the wires from their terminals on the rear of
the alternator, noting their locations (as
applicable), then slack ...
Steering and suspension security check (Every 12 000 miles (20 000 km) or 12
months)
1 Check the shock absorbers by bouncing
the vehicle up and down at each corner in
turn. When released, it should come to rest
within one complete oscillation. Continued
movement, or squeaking and ...
Engine idle speed check (Every 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months)
Caution: Refer to the
precautions in Section 1,
Chapter 4, Part A or B (as
applicable), before proceeding.
Before carrying out any carburettor
adjustments, ensure that the ignition
timing and sp ...