Introduction

General information This Chapter is designed to help the home mechanic maintain his/her vehicle for safety, economy, long life and peak performance.

The Chapter contains a master maintenance schedule, followed by Sections dealing specifically with each task on the schedule. Visual checks, adjustments, component renewal and other helpful items are included. Refer to the accompanying illustrations of the engine compartment and the underside of the vehicle for the locations of the various components.

Servicing of your vehicle in accordance with the mileage/time maintenance schedule and the following Sections will provide a planned maintenance program, which should result in a long and reliable service life. This is a comprehensive plan, so maintaining some items but not others at the specified service intervals will not produce the same results.

As you service your vehicle, you will discover that many of the procedures can - and should - be grouped together because of the particular procedure being performed, or because of the close proximity of two otherwise unrelated components to one another. For example, if the vehicle is raised for any reason, the exhaust can be inspected at the same time as the suspension and steering components.

The first step in this maintenance program is to prepare yourself before the actual work begins. Read through all the Sections relevant to the work to be carried out, then make a list and gather together all the parts and tools required. If a problem is encountered, seek advice from a parts specialist, or a dealer service department.

    See also:

    Carburettor (Pierburg 2V type) - removal and refitting
    1 Proceed as described for the Ford VV carburettor but note the following. 2 The Pierburg carburettor is not fitted with an anti-dieselling valve. 3 Disconnect all relevant wiring plugs and vacuu ...

    Rear suspension/final drive unit rear mounting (Saloon, Hatchback and Estate models) - renewal
    Note: From May 1986, revised rear suspension/final drive unit rear mounting bolts have been used in production. Whenever the earlier type of bolts are removed, they should be discarded and the lat ...

    Pistons and connecting rods - examination and renovation
    1.8 litre (R2A type) 1 Examine the pistons for ovality, scoring, and scratches. Check the connecting rods for wear or damage. 2 The gudgeon pins are an interference fit in the connecting rods, an ...