British-Cars.org

Welcome to the DMR Site for British Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MG Y Type - MOT Repairs

I wondered if anybody could give me any help or advice.

I took my car in for its MOT today and it failed on:

Excessive play in the steering,corroded rear brake pipes and damaged flexi hoses.

Unfortunately the MOT station is unable to carry out these repairs. However, on the way home, I thought about the braking system on a Y and wondered whether the tester may have mistaken the Jackall pipes for the brake pipes. Also, I wondered if the degree of free play allowed in the steering system is the same for an older car as for a modern one. Can anybody advise me on this, and whether it is permissible to challenge the test results (apart from the flexi hoses)before paying for potentially unnecessary work to be carried out?

Finally, does anybody know of a garage that could carry out such repairs (if necessary) within reasonable distance of Bingley/Shipley, West Yorkshire. I'm reluctant to go back to the "Leading Restorer of MGs" after being stung by them last time.

Many thanks for any advice you can give.

Andrew

Andrew Adamson

Andrew,
I advise you take a look at the following link: www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/carlgvowners/mottesting/mottesting.htm

which provides information on MOT Testing in the UK. I am no expert! but having read information on MOT Testing, there is nothing to state there are differences in relation to an older and newer car.
Richard

Being no longer troubled by these things I too am no expert however, the brakes need to be sufficient to stop the car - evenly.

It is perfectly possible that the flexihose he is referring too may be the Jackall one. As you sit in the car the Jackall flexihose is on the left rear. The pipes were made out of copper, whereas steel was used for the brake pipes.

Is this garage you use a modern one or an 'old timer' type? If you can I would suggest a retest at a small privately owned garage where they are 'able' to do these things. Gee brakes arent difficult - the biggest problem is replacing pipes and that is easy - take an old one off and take it to a brake pipe maker and ask him to make one up to suit: they do it all the time! Usually such garages are in smaller outlying villages and are willing and able as they understand the needs and requirements of older cars better.

I do understand thought that the DVLA has computerised the test so trying to eliminate discretion, but there are still opportunities. Take your fail certificate with you and ask to come into the test area and discuss items with the tester. Again, if you find a good small garage in the country get your petrol there too - a full tank every so often - it helps build a relationship.

Good luck

Paul
Paul Barrow

Andrew: having friends in Bingley I happen to know that Wilkinson and Whitley, just off Park Road by the station, are an excellent old-fashioned garage who may well be able to help. And is there perhaps anyone in the MGCC or Octagon locally who might know of a tester more accustomed to older cars and their ways?

You may want to check the MoT report on what exactly they saw as the problem with the steering: if it's the rack or track-rod ball joints neither is particularly difficult to rectify. And remember that the old-type sprung ball joints used on the Y might be diagnosed as worn out if the tester is inexperienced with old cars.

Email me if I can be any more help.
Tim Griggs

Another site worth a look at

www.motester.co.uk/

Regards

Richard
Richard Knight

This thread was discussed between 26/04/2006 and 29/04/2006

MG MG Y Type index

This thread is from the archives. Join this live forum now