MOT and Spring Assisters

[Robinhood]

This has been done on here before, but, given my 'van has just passed its first MOT, I thought a reminder might be timely.

 

For those vehicles fitted with extended rear "cones" comprising spring assisters on the rear suspension, there has been a past tendency to fail the MOT test, as there has been an interpretation of insufficient clearance between the "cone", which has been considered as simply a bump stop, and the rear axle.

 

After significant debate, (and an interim period where they apparently supported such failure) VOSA issued further guidance, describing the difference in function, and leaving the decision more to the tester's discretion.

 

I have my vehicles tested at a local bus and coach firm (they are cheap, they can take vehicles of any size without problem, don't tout for service and repair work, and also give me all the testing paperwork back - useful for determining axle loads, etc.) Despite the fact that they see all types of vehicles (and they MOT test for the Motorcaravan dealer down the road), the guy who did mine had not seen these spring assisters before, and told me he would have considered failing the vehicle.

 

Luckily, on booking it in, I had a word with the supervisor, which was passed on. I also had a printed copy of page 13 from the attached VOSA circulated magazine, which sets out the background, and the fact that this is not an automatic fail.

 

Anyone facing an MOT for a similarly equipped vehicle (some Transits, and I believe, some Ducatos) may well wish to take note.

 

http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/MoT%20-%20Issue%2050%20-%20May%202011.pdf

[Sundowner]

Thanks for the information, I've so far not had a problem with MOTs, but I have printed off page 13 of the booklet, to file away "just in case".

[Derek Uzzell]

This 2010 forum thread refers to the Ford 'bump stop' issue

 

http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/Motorhomes/Hints-and-Tips/Ford-suspension/19542/