Suspension
2012 MOT Regulations - SpringsNew department of transport regulations for the annual MOT went into effect on January 1st 2012. While the inspection criterion for coil springs remains largely unchanged, Garages should be aware of the updates and understand the implications.
In reality, Kilen advise that if a spring is broken at one end its function will be impaired since the vehicle ride height will be altered as will the spring rate. Additionally since most modern spring designs have few, if any, 'dead' coils, and pitch is measured from the very beginning of the spring, it is unlikely that the spring ends would locate correctly, even if breakage is at an extreme end, and there is a high possibility of the spring falling out even before jacking. A broken spring affects vehicle and passenger safety. Test centres must continue to check that both ends of the coil are correctly located, and that spring mounts are secure, free from cracks or fractures, and free from excessive damage or corrosion. The coil spring should be rejected if it is cracked, fractured, or corroded such that the cross sectional area is reduced and the spring seriously weakened. If the spring mounting is cracked, fractured, loose, or seriously weakened by damage or corrosion, it should be rejected. Should a coil spring be rejected, a Kilen replacement can be fitted with confidence and without any warranty restrictions, as the entire range is certified as matching OE quality. Additionally, Kilen coil springs include a 3 year manufacturers' warranty for complete peace of mind. |
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The most significant amendment states that if a spring is broken at an extreme end (where it locates on the spring mount) it will not necessarily fail the test. The spring should only be rejected if its function is impaired, or if the spring ends do not locate correctly, without assistance, when the vehicle is lowered into normal running position after being jacked.