Failed MOT

[Andy]

The car went for its annual check-up today and failed!!!!

001. Nearside front shock absorber has negligible damping effect

002. Offside rear fog lamp not in good working order

003. Nearside front constant velocity joint gaiter insecurly mounted to its housing

004. Offside frontuper suspension arm has excessive play in ball joint.

005. Offside rear wheel cylinder leaking

006. Offside parking brake recording little or no effort

007. Offside rear brake recording little or no effort

008. Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive

009. parking brake efficiency below requirements.


Advisory Notice

010. Offside front lower suspension arm has slight play in ball joint

011. Nearside front upper suspension arm has slight play in ball joint

012. Nearside front upper suspension arm has slight play in ball joint

013. Offside front shock absorber has a slightly worn rubber bush

014. Front sub-frame has slight play in a pin/bush

015 Steering column top bearing slightly worn.

Any ideas??

Andy

[Steve]

Sorry to hear about the mot, my mini failed today also, just a small amount of welding and 2 new track rod ends need.

[Deano]

Looks like your going to be busy mate:eek: doesnt look like anything to bad but thats alot to go in a year

[TONYELF]

Hard luck mate. Mot 's are a pain I know, but in some respects they are a good idea. Did you know the brake cylinder was leaking? if not , it's a good job the examiner spotted it. We all get used to the whims of our minis and automatically compensate for lack of performance in the braking system and as such don't realise just how bad it is. It's a good idea to let someone else have a drive now and again, they often notice something that you don't and you can do something about it.
As for worn ball joints, a worn one can lead to others being strained and worn.
Chin up mate. You'll soon sort it out. Be like a new car then!
Oh ! Good luck with that and the next test.

[Andy]

Thanks guys..

I know a guy who used to be a MOT tester and hes going to look at it tomorrow. But he says that with the shocks and the cylinders I might aswell change both, so then the other will be as good as new aswell..


I might be able to do the shocks tomorrow but the ball joints and the cylinders will have to be done next weekend because my mechanical skills are crap..:confused:

Cheers Andy

[TONYELF]

Don't underestimate yourself Andy, ball joints are fairly easy,especially if you invest in a decent splitter (around £16) don't try and do it with a big hammer,it doesn't work. once they are off, it's pretty straight forward. Have a look at Mark and Gr4h4m's video on minaddicts tv. I've done mine and I'm not a mechanic!

[Andy]

Fair enough, I'll have a go probably tomorrow if it stops raining!!!

This guy I know he works for Stanways Ford in Blackpool, so hes going to ask his boss for him to fix my car next saturday because all his tools are there. and he can have I look at the brakes.

Andy

[TONYELF]

That would be brilliant but ask if you can watch him carefully, You should pick up a few tips. And don't be afraid to ask questions.Remember. Nothing ventured...nothing gained !

[Andy]

Yeah, ill ask can I watch and pick up a few pointers along the way.. The only pointer i've picked up is it going to cost an arm and a leg;)

Andy

[Gr4H4m]

Have you checked out the TV section showing Mark Rally's Ball joint how to... You can see what is involved....

http://www.miniaddicts.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=1339

[RSP]

Mine failed its MOT also this week :mad:

Need complete new front panel as the subframe has corroded!!
The emissions are bad
Battery box needs replacing
New drivers dorr sill required (otherwise the foot well becomes a paddling pool)
Drivers door is a rust garden
All ball joints need changing

So all in all a job well done.

Also found out why the brakes weren't as good as they should be and the car wasn't preforming as well as a mini should...... the vacuum hose came off - even after I'd tried fixing it with super duper plumber tape!!! Well my dad told me too :o

So now I've invested in Charlie Minis tool recomendation from Screw FIx - looks like a fair kit!!

Good look with getting the work done to pass the MOT.

[charlie_mini]

not a good week for mot's :( sorry to hear that mate! hope you get it all sorted! changing the door step is a bit awkward but the panel itself is only about £12! i've had to do it to my project! will re-skinning the door solve the problem or has it gone at the bottom too???

all in all that looks much worse than it is! look on the bright side! you could have had the guy who did andy's MOT and pulled the car to bits!

[Andy]

Today I went to the spares shop to get 2 shocks, 2 cylinders and new shoes - £36.81

I took it to this guy I know, he can do all the jobs i.e. All four ball joints, the cylinders for £180.

He used to be a MOT tester himself, he aslo said that MOT failure number 005 it the main one thats making 006,007 and 009 to fail aswell.

Andy

[Andy]

Finally changed the parts on saturday, 3 cuts and 5 hours later.. the offside balls joints were a pain to come off, but some encouragement with a vice and a crow-bar they came off with ease.

The shocks- drives like new they actually work

The fog light works properly

The wheel cylinder looked like it was covered in thick oil, got them changed. the brakes feel better.

Thanks for the advice guys.

Andy