How Worn Suspension Components Can Cause an MOT Failure
How Worn Suspension Components Can Cause an MOT Failure
Your car’s suspension system plays a critical role in safety, handling, and ride comfort. However, many drivers overlook suspension maintenance, leading to unexpected MOT failures. If your vehicle’s shock absorbers, ball joints, or springs are worn, you could face dangerous driving conditions and an MOT fail.
At Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln, we specialise in suspension inspections, repairs, and replacements, ensuring your vehicle passes its MOT test with ease. In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ How suspension affects your MOT results
✅ Common suspension-related MOT failure points
✅ Signs your suspension is wearing out
✅ How to prevent an MOT failure due to suspension issues
If your car’s MOT is coming up, don’t risk a failure due to worn suspension components—here’s what you need to know.
1. How Does Suspension Affect Your MOT?
📌 The suspension system is a key part of an MOT test, and any faults can result in a fail.
🔍 MOT testers check for:
✔️ Excessive play in suspension joints – Loose or worn-out parts affect stability.
✔️ Leaking shock absorbers – Fluid leaks reduce damping performance, making the ride unsafe.
✔️ Broken coil springs – A snapped or sagging spring affects ride height and handling.
✔️ Corroded suspension components – Rust and wear can weaken key parts.
✔️ Poor damping performance – If the car bounces excessively when pushed down, the shocks are worn.
📌 Even minor suspension wear can impact handling, braking, and tyre wear—leading to MOT failure.
2. Common Suspension-Related MOT Failure Points
🚨 Suspension issues are one of the most common reasons for an MOT failure. Here’s what can go wrong:
🔧 1. Shock Absorbers (Dampers) – Leaking or Ineffective
❌ Fluid leaks reduce the shock’s ability to absorb bumps.
❌ Worn dampers lead to excessive bouncing and instability.
🔧 2. Coil Springs – Broken or Corroded
❌ A snapped spring causes uneven ride height and poor handling.
❌ Rust weakens the spring over time, leading to potential failure.
🔧 3. Suspension Bushes – Worn or Perished
❌ Excessive play in bushes affects control and alignment.
❌ Worn rubber causes clunking noises over bumps.
🔧 4. Ball Joints & Track Rod Ends – Excessive Play
❌ Worn ball joints reduce steering precision.
❌ Excessive movement can lead to unpredictable handling.
🔧 5. Control Arms & Wishbones – Bent or Damaged
❌ Impact damage from potholes can misalign the suspension.
❌ Worn bushes in wishbones cause instability.
📌 Any of these faults will result in an MOT failure—so early detection is key.
3. Signs That Your Suspension Needs Attention Before an MOT
🚗 Don’t wait for your MOT to highlight suspension problems—look out for these warning signs:
✔️ Uneven Tyre Wear – Indicates alignment or suspension issues.
✔️ Clunking or Knocking Noises – Could be worn ball joints or bushes.
✔️ Car Feels Unstable on Bumps – Weak shocks or broken springs.
✔️ Vehicle Sits Unevenly – Possible snapped spring or failed suspension strut.
✔️ Excessive Bouncing – Indicates worn-out dampers.
✔️ Steering Feels Loose or Wanders – Could be worn track rod ends or suspension components.
📌 If you notice any of these symptoms, book a suspension check before your MOT to avoid failure.
4. How to Prevent an MOT Failure Due to Suspension Issues
💡 Regular suspension maintenance can help you avoid unexpected MOT failures. Here’s how:
✅ Check for Leaks – Look under the car for signs of shock absorber fluid leaks.
✅ Inspect Your Tyre Wear Pattern – Uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension problems.
✅ Listen for Unusual Noises – Clunks, creaks, or rattles over bumps can indicate worn parts.
✅ Test the Bounce – Press down on the car’s front and rear—if it bounces excessively, the shocks may be worn.
✅ Get a Pre-MOT Suspension Check – A professional inspection can catch issues before your MOT.
📌 Proactive maintenance is cheaper than failing an MOT and paying for a retest.
5. Why Choose Andrews Car Centre for Suspension Repairs in Lincoln?
At Andrews Car Centre, we ensure your car’s suspension is in top condition before your MOT test.
✔️ Expert Technicians – Specialists in suspension repairs for all makes and models.
✔️ Comprehensive Suspension Checks – Identifying worn shocks, springs, and bushes.
✔️ High-Quality Replacement Parts – Using OEM-approved components.
✔️ Competitive Pricing & No Hidden Costs – Transparent quotes before work begins.
✔️ Fast & Reliable Service – Getting your car ready for its MOT with minimal downtime.
🚗 Avoid an MOT failure—book a suspension check today!
Book Your Suspension Check at Andrews Car Centre Today!
📞 Call Andrews Car Centre now or book online for expert suspension repairs in Lincoln.
🚗🔧 Andrews Car Centre – Lincoln’s Trusted Suspension Specialists.