How subjective is welding when it comes to MOT?

[willn]

Hi folks, my 56 plate has just failed it's MOT with the main point being some welding.

There was nothing on last years advisory so I'm just wondering how subjective this sort of thing is when it comes to MOTs? The welding job is to the off side and near side rear chassis (spring mounting area) at a cost of about £210.

Trying to decide whether to take it somewhere else- of course they might say I need even more done!!

Any thoughts on the matter much appreciated...

[mistericeman]

There are guidelines for corrosion within prescribed areas ...from memory 30cm from suspension/steering/structural points etc .....have a look underneath it after reading the MOT testers manual

http://www.motuk.com/mot_manual/appendixC.asp

and see what you think .....the MOT test is pretty black and white to be honest and if it needs welding get it welded simples .

[ake]

12 months is enough time for some surface rust to become a structural failure.

[Brains_transit]

Find someone that just welds and fabricate the parts needed yourself then you save money

[willn]

Ok thanks very much for your thoughts and suggestions guys

[ned]

If you think the mot place is trying it on you can always take your van to a council MOT station as they don't do repairs just the test, but they will thoroughly check it and could flag up more fails. N

[willn]

Yes I did consider that option, but like you say I could just be creating more expense, think I'll stump up the money, there were a few other thing they flagged up which I was questioning but upon consideration they are probably pretty fair points, thanks for the suggestion though...

[loot]

210 for both sides seems reasonable enough to me, that's provided the rust is enough to hole or weaken the mounts or area supporting the mounts and within the prescribed area.
if it just looks scabby and wants a wire brush and bit of paint then they're taking the piss but unless you get a second opinion and post pictures up here for the lads to check then the answer is, yes welding is subjective.

[willn]

Just to push my luck, please can I ask for your feedback on pricing for the other things that need doing?

- Rubber bush nearside front lower arm- £22 for the part and £97 labour.

- Power steering belt £12 for the part and £45 labour.

- Power steering belt replaced £12 for the part and £45 labour...

any thoughts?

[knobby1]

Just to push my luck, please can I ask for your feedback on pricing for the other things that need doing?

- Rubber bush nearside front lower arm- £22 for the part and £97 labour.

- Power steering belt £12 for the part and £45 labour.

- Power steering belt replaced £12 for the part and £45 labour...

any thoughts?

You've got two power steering belts..??

I'll get me coat..!

Lord Knobrot

[willn]

doh my mistake! The third thing was the rear position lamps which are ' rotted out' £90 for a pair, not sure about labour

[loot]

Labour charges look a bit high to me.

Lower rubber, I'd buy a complete wishbone because it is less work to replace.

The drivebelts on mine take 10 min to change, 2 belts.

Rear light clusters are cheap off eBay but if it is just the position lamps that aren't getting power then anyone handy with electronics can fix them.

[knobby1]

doh my mistake! The third thing was the rear position lamps which are ' rotted out' £90 for a pair, not sure about labour

Wot Loot said.....Rear lamps can be replaced in 5 mins...easy to do yourself...

Lord Knobrot

[willn]

Thanks guys, think I will cut my loses and take to another garage, only thing that worries me is the power steering belt is knackered ( I don't doubt this as steering was super heavy) There's a garage I've been recommended about 10 miles down the road, just wondering if I'm likely to be doing any damage driving it?

[willn]

Just to update, if anyone still reading this!

I took it to another garage, parts and labour were about a third cheaper, in theory that should have saved me about £200 but they needed to replace the tensioner along with the belt (tensioner was knackered, they showed me the old one) and they changed the whole wishbone rather than just the bush so didn't save quite as much as I'd hoped but I feel they were trustworthy and it was definitely worth 'shopping around.'

I took it back to the same place that did the original MOT for a re-test so will never know how subjective the welding issue was but all in all I'm happy.Thanks very much for your help