MOT Advisories

[Relaxed]

Hi all,

My Nissan Micra 2009 had 3 MOT advisories last year, and 2 this year (at different garages) - however, only one of them appears on both years:

Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint has slight play - what does this mean please, and should I get it fixed now given it's appeared two years straight but still passed?

The two I had last year which didn't appear this year are as below - I'm wondering why one garage would see them as advisories, and the other not at all? Should I do something about these ?

• Rear Coil spring corroded both side (5.3.1 (b) (i))
• Front Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Thank you for your help and advise.

 

[FinnishCoffee]

Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint has slight play - what does this mean please, and should I get it fixed now given it's appeared two years straight but still passed?

You probably should. It will be an issue sooner or later, a good garage will be able to find that easily.

Rear Coil spring corroded both side (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Mostly just cosmetic, I’d think. Different inspectors will have different ways of looking at corrosion, but some rust on a coil spring won’t affect anything.

Front Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.2.1 (b) (i))

This might have ”fixed” itself during the time inbetween inspections, maybe it was caused by a lightly stuck caliper that got unstuck later? As it’s brake related, I’d rather have it looked at than leave it be.

 

[Mika The Finn]

You probably should. It will be an issue sooner or later, a good garage will be able to find that easily.

Mostly just cosmetic, I’d think. Different inspectors will have different ways of looking at corrosion, but some rust on a coil spring won’t affect anything.

This might have ”fixed” itself during the time in between inspections, maybe it was caused by a lightly stuck caliper that got unstuck later? As it’s brake related, I’d rather have it looked at than leave it be.

I agree with my fellow country man to every point!
Better safe than sorry.

 

[novocaine]

1. yes, get it fixed, for the cost, do both sides and change the entire control arm not just the ball joints. Think I paid 40 quid a side last time.

A garage will charge you for their time, pulling the control arm off to get it in a press is going to take longer than just swapping it out. so it often works out similar in price to change the whole unit. This also gets you new inner bushings at the same time, a little bit of preventative maintenance. other things to have looked at while the garage is in there are antiroll bar drop links and tie rod ends, but these aren't needed unless they are showing wear.

2. Technically it's an advisory at the inspectors digression, intended for when they look like the lack of coating may lead to failure. some inspectors (mostly new to it) are more willing to give the advisory when it isn't needed. Not saying it's a way for the garage to get more work from you, but I've known a few who do this. don't worry about it, it's only a fail when a spring snaps and is no longer secure in the seat.

3. Quit likely a corroded disc or a sticking piston on the day that's settled out. if the car doesn't pull one way or the other under braking, don't worry about it, but do keep an eye on your pads and discs.

 

[FinnishCoffee]

Also if you are getting work done on the front suspension anyway, getting them to have a look at the brakes and maybe greasing up the slide pins won't cost much extra.

 

[Relaxed]

1. yes, get it fixed, for the cost, do both sides and change the entire control arm not just the ball joints. Think I paid 40 quid a side last time.

A garage will charge you for their time, pulling the control arm off to get it in a press is going to take longer than just swapping it out. so it often works out similar in price to change the whole unit. This also gets you new inner bushings at the same time, a little bit of preventative maintenance. other things to have looked at while the garage is in there are antiroll bar drop links and tie rod ends, but these aren't needed unless they are showing wear.

2. Technically it's an advisory at the inspectors digression, intended for when they look like the lack of coating may lead to failure. some inspectors (mostly new to it) are more willing to give the advisory when it isn't needed. Not saying it's a way for the garage to get more work from you, but I've known a few who do this. don't worry about it, it's only a fail when a spring snaps and is no longer secure in the seat.

3. Quit likely a corroded disc or a sticking piston on the day that's settled out. if the car doesn't pull one way or the other under braking, don't worry about it, but do keep an eye on your pads and discs.

Thanks, I got the suspension arm changed today. Forgot to get both done at the same time, as per your advice here, but at least the faulty one was done. It was around £45 plus £100 for the labour (at a very reputable local garage, which I have used before) compared to the £309 which Halford were quoting me. Only issue is once I drove out of the garage, the car seems to be making a strange noise when it is about to stop / come to a standstill. It doesn't happen when you apply the brakes as such, but only close to the point when just about to stop. Not exactly squeaking or creaky, more of a deep "groan" type sound. No idea why, will just have to speak to the garage and get them to inspect it again as it wasn't happening before. It's a headache I didn't need as the garage is on the outskirts of town and not the quickest place to get to, but anyway - "it is what it is", to use that annoying phrase !!

 

[novocaine]

Thanks, I got the suspension arm changed today. Forgot to get both done at the same time, as per your advice here, but at least the faulty one was done. It was around £45 plus £100 for the labour (at a very reputable local garage, which I have used before) compared to the £309 which Halford were quoting me. Only issue is once I drove out of the garage, the car seems to be making a strange noise when it is about to stop / come to a standstill. It doesn't happen when you apply the brakes as such, but only close to the point when just about to stop. Not exactly squeaking or creaky, more of a deep "groan" type sound. No idea why, will just have to speak to the garage and get them to inspect it again as it wasn't happening before. It's a headache I didn't need as the garage is on the outskirts of town and not the quickest place to get to, but anyway - "it is what it is", to use that annoying phrase !!

could just be bushes settling but take it back, there a few things it could be that need correcting.

 

[Relaxed]

could just be bushes settling but take it back, there a few things it could be that need correcting.

You might be right as it seems to have settled today, I will drive it around for a couple of days and if any issues then take it back. thanks