dpb Posted October 26, 2015 Report Share Posted October 26, 2015 I took my 4a for its Manx test today, you need to do this with a car you import from the Uk or anywhere else if its over 3 years old. Over the last few months I fixed loads of things before taking it for its test today. And here are the major things that it failed on, despite passing the UK mot a year ago. 1. Oil leaks from gearbox. (although it never even leaves drips on the garage floor). 2. Pinion oil seal leaking (ditto). 3. Steering rack excessively worn. 4. Lower steering column bush worn. 5. Front o/s wheel bearing excessive play 6. Both outer sills need repairing (welding). He didn't like the fact someone had used filler on them previously. The thing that I am perhaps most concerned about is the pinion oil seal. Is this difficult to replace? Do I need to take the whole rear axle out? And what about the steering rack? Straightforward to fit a new one? I just looked at the manual and it refers to a specific spreading tool - is that necessary? And lastly the sills. Just get new ones and weld them on? Any advice welcome. Cheers Dave ===== Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lebro Posted October 26, 2015 Report Share Posted October 26, 2015 This all sound very petty, is it worth taking it somewhere else - maybe an "old car friendly" test station. Bob. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John390 Posted October 26, 2015 Report Share Posted October 26, 2015 I might be wrong but for an MOT, if it was a separate chassis the sills were not so important, but I know nothing about the Manx test! Cheers John Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dpb Posted October 26, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2015 Hi Bob Unfortunately there is only one, government-run testing station. There are no other options for this test. Dave ==== Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stillp Posted October 26, 2015 Report Share Posted October 26, 2015 (edited) Bob, 3, 4, and 5 don't sound petty to me. Dave, I had a leaking pinion seal, and I was told that it can be done in the car, but you need to drop the exhaust and the propshaft, so you might as well take the diff out while you're at it. You'll probably find the mounting points on the chassis are cracked when you do! It's a lot easier to change the seals with the diff out, but mine was leaking (badly) from the output seal, so I had a pro (Mike Papworth) sort them all out at a very reasonable price. You can certainly change the rack without using the spreading (actually I think it's compressing rather than spreading) tool. Pete Edited October 26, 2015 by stillp Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nigel Carine Posted October 26, 2015 Report Share Posted October 26, 2015 Oh Dave Why didn't you ring me first. These guys can be real Bar Stewards and if they don't like the look of you it will take ages, a friend of ours (a copper) took six attempts to get his Mk 1 Escort through !! My advice is bite the bullet and take it somewhere to do the work and get them to put it through the test, the professionals know how to handle the inspectors. In Ramsey you have Westminster motors, never used them myself but have good reports from the Jaguar lads. In Onchan you can try Carrera, based at Corkill's filling station (they have an excellent body man) or in Douglas, Lace Auto Centre on South Quay, not had work done myself but I know they are classic friendly. One guy I know has a stable including a TR7 and he swears by Steve Lace. There are some pirates out there so if you try someone else, please ask first, one garage had one of my cars for 6 months and a mate's 4 years. Best of Luck and ring me if you want. Cheers Nigel Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dpb Posted October 26, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2015 HI Nigel Thanks for the message. I use Lace for my jaguar so I know them pretty well. I'll give him a ring and see if he is interested in some of the work, but I'd like to do most of it myself. I've seen Westminster in Ramsey and they seem pretty busy with classics. I'll chat to them too. How's things? Still haven't got round to visiting, but if you are around in the next couple of weeks I'll pop over. Cheers Dave ==== Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nigel Carine Posted October 27, 2015 Report Share Posted October 27, 2015 Any time mate, just give me a buzz to ensure I'm in. You've got my number? Nigel Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dpb Posted October 27, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 27, 2015 Nigel. No. PM sent. Lost your email address too! Dave ==== Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nigel Carine Posted October 27, 2015 Report Share Posted October 27, 2015 You have P.M. Nigel Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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