"Ivan" wrote in message
...

"Mrcheerful" wrote in message
om...
Peter Spikings wrote:
Hi,

Ka.... Last year had an MOT advisory that the front upper shock
absorbers (both sides) have slightly worn bushes. When I grab the top
of the strut inside the engine bay I can't make either of them move
and the topmost bush looks fine. Is this anything to worry about? Got
next MoT coming up and if it fails on that I'm in trouble apparently
(other half's car) Apparently she was told it probably won't get
through this year but I don't see why.

Thanks,

Peter.

IIRC this is a well known feature, not a fault, but there are modified
top bushes with a slightly shorter metal sleeve available. You can of
course take your old one out and shorten it a little (about 3mm) but
don't say I told you !


It does make one wonder though, I took my Ford focus in to the main Ford
garage (where I always go) six months after its MOT to have a couple of
gas struts fitted to the tailgate along with an intermediate service.

The guy on the reception desk told me that there were some 'rubber
bushes'? failing in the rear suspension which would have to be done before
it would pass its next MOT, IIRC I was quoted somewhere around £280 with
VAT, being a bit skint at the time and as it apparently wasn't a safety
issue I told him I'd leave it until I had the next MOT done.

Came the day and the wife says don't forget to tell the mechanic what
needs to be done, which of course I didn't and guess what, it sailed
through the test without a mention of any problems with the rear
suspension, it will be interesting to see if I'm quite so lucky next year.

Bushes can make a difference to the drive of the car without actually
failing MOTs.