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:

    Heated Exhaust Gas Oxygen (HEGO) sensor - removal and refitting
    Note: A new sealing ring will be required on refitting. Removal 1 Apply the handbrake, then jack up the front of the vehicle and support it on axle stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle Support”). 2 ...

    Thermo-viscous cooling fan (SOHC models) - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 2 Remove the four retaining clips and unscrew the two retaining screws, then withdraw the upper section of the fan shroud (see illustrations). 1 ...

    Engine/transmission - reconnection and installation
    1 This is a direct reversal of removal and separation from the transmission. Take care not to damage the radiator or front wings during installation. Reconnection 2 Make sure that the engine adap ...