This
sub-section applies to
Both front and rear suspensions including any optional components fitted.
How to inspect
The inspections must be carried out with the vehicle over a pit or on a raised
lift.
The examination of some front suspension components requires the steered wheels
to be jacked up as described in Section 2.5, MOI A1 and the examination of some
rear suspension components require the rear wheels to be jacked as described in
Section 2.6.
Checking for wear or play
A small pinch bar should be used to check for wear or play in many of the
suspension components covered in this section.
Checking for corrosion
Guidance for assessing corrosion and the use of the Corrosion Assessment
Tool is given at Appendix C.
Main load bearing structure
The condition of the vehicle main load bearing structure not in a ‘prescribed
area’ is checked under Section 6
Note: Reason for Rejection 1.a. applies also to that part of a leaf which is curled
to prevent disengagement from a slipper
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A.
All Suspension Types
1. Check
• that there is enough clearance of the axle or suspension with the bump
stop or chassis, and
• whether any suspension unit is so weak that it does not hold the body far
enough away from the road wheels.
2. Examine the vehicle structure around any sub-frame, spring or suspension component
mounting for
• excessive corrosion (i.e. within the ‘prescribed area’, see Appendix C)
• distortion
•fractures
Note: It is usually necessary to open the bonnet to inspect front suspension components.
It may be necessary to inspect the inside of a luggage compartment or boot to
effectively check prescribed areas and testable items that otherwise would not
be seen
B. Leaf Springs
1. Examine each leaf spring assembly, check
a. the condition of spring leaves
b. the condition of spring eyes
c. the lateral location of spring leaves (particularly leaf splay)
d. leaves for longitudinal displacement
e. the correct location of the springs to the axle for symmetry.
2. Check the security and the amount of play at the spring anchor bracket pin/bush
and both pins/bushes of the spring shackle.
3. Check that
a. anchor/shackle pins are correctly positioned and secure
b. retaining and any locking devices are present and secure.
4. Check the side play at spring eyes.
Note: For normal leaf suspension, side play at the spring eye should not exceed
6mm.
5. Check condition of slipper and rebound pin
6. Check that the spring and balance beam anchor and shackle brackets are
a. secure and free from signs of movement Note: Attachment of suspension units,
e.g. anchor brackets, may be by bolts, nuts, rivets, welding etc. When modified
spring anchor or shackle brackets are fitted, there may be more holes in the bracket
than holes in the chassis. This is not a reason for rejection
b. free from cracks or fractures
c. complete with all nuts, bolts and rivets
d. free from excessive damage or corrosion.
Note: Damage includes damage by weld, e.g. weld blow holes or cuts which seriously
weaken the component
7. Check the security of spring and saddle to the axle.
More Info
http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/htdocs/m4s02000401.htm
http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/htdocs/m4s02000402.htm
http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/htdocs/m4s02000403.htm
http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/htdocs/m4s02000404.htm
http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/htdocs/m4s02000405.htm
http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/htdocs/m4s02000406.htm
http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/htdocs/m4s02000407.htm
http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/htdocs/m4s02000408.htm
http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/htdocs/m4s02000409.htm
http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/htdocs/m4s02000410.htm
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1.
• Inadequate clearance of the axle or suspension with the bump stop or chassis,
or
• a suspension unit so weak that the body or other part of the vehicle fouls
a road wheel or would do so if the vehicle was laden.
Note: a missing bump stop rubber is not a reason for rejection.
2. Deliberate modification which significantly reduces the original strength,
excessive corrosion, severe distortion, a fracture or an inadequate repair of
a load bearing member or its supporting structure or supporting panelling within
30cm of any sub-frame, spring or a suspension component mounting, that is, within
a ‘prescribed area’,
1.
a. A cracked or fractured leaf, or one which has been repaired by welding or is
permanently distorted due to damage or so deteriorated that it is seriously weakened
b. a defective spring eye
c. the leaves of a multi-leaf spring splayed to such an extent that the action
of the spring is impaired, or will foul other parts of the vehicle
d. a spring leaf longitudinally displaced
e. a spring so fitted that the axle is misaligned.
2. Excessive wear in a pin and/or bush, for example more than
• 2mm for a 12mm diameter pin
• 3mm for a 25mm diameter pin
• 10% of the pin diameter for pins over 25mm diameter
• deterioration of a rubber bush resulting in excessive movement.
3.
a. A shackle, anchor or linkage pin missing, fractured, not correctly positioned
or excessively loose in its bracket
b. a shackle, anchor or linkage pin retaining or locking device, missing or insecurely
fitted.
4. Excessive side play at spring eye.
5. A slipper excessively worn, cracked, insecure or its rebound pin missing.
6. An anchor or shackle bracket
a. loose to chassis
b. cracked or fractured
c. with a nut, bolt or rivet missing
d. damaged or corroded so that it is seriously weakened.
7. a. Evidence that a spring saddle is fractured or moving relative to the spring
b. a nut or bolt securing the spring to the axle not secure or missing.
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