MOT - Jacking Points.

[RayD]

My regular MOT station still uses a pit, rather than an Hydraulic ramp. Is it possible for them to carry out their normal suspension checks just using the four jacking points on the car? And if not, which other points are acceptable? Is there anything else I need to be aware of?
Thank you
Ray

[ailwyn]

My local garage only has pits and he manages to do my MOT, so I assume you'll be fine.

What suspension check did you have in mind as I thought they checked the wheel bearings by wiggling the wheel while on the floor and just whacked suspension bits with a hammer to see if it falls apart (and check for fluid leaks etc).

A.

[Specky]

My local garage only has pits and he manages to do my MOT, so I assume you'll be fine.

What suspension check did you have in mind as I thought they checked the wheel bearings by wiggling the wheel while on the floor and just whacked suspension bits with a hammer to see if it falls apart (and check for fluid leaks etc).

A.

Mines a pit too...

just grease plates on the floor

and a rolling road


TTFN

[RayD]

Ailwyn,

He always jacks them up back and front before checking the wheel bearings, ball joints, steering linkage, etc.

Ray

[surfboardfiller]

The reccomended way of testing a cars suspension when buying a 2nd hand vehicle; is to put your body weight on the wing above the shocks/springs and relise the pressure quickly. if it rises it's OK if it bounces it's dead.

If I cought anyone doing that to my car I'd have to find a place to dispose of their body. I hope they don't do it like this. If they have a rolling road then it probably has hydraulics to test the bounce properly.

[Monty]

The MOT station i use has i pit and they just use the jack out of the car, u only need to jack up the front as you can also get the rear (on the same side) to lift.

[M100 TWO]

All the jacking points are on page 4 in the introduction of the Lotus service notes, 8 on the SE and 6 on the S2 you can only jack on these points or you will do DAMAGE
john

[RayD]

Thanks for that Monty, I’ll make that suggestion. Ray

[RayD]

Thank you John.

[M100 TWO]

I have painted all my inboard jacking points red so there is no confusion at the MOT station

[GeoffSmith]

I have painted all my inboard jacking points red so there is no confusion at the MOT station

That's a good idea. I guess I need to paint mine black though.

[Paul.P]

Youv'e only got 2 Geoffers, & i would do them white on red car ?

[GeoffSmith]

Youv'e only got 2 Geoffers, & i would do them white on red car ?

Absolutely not. Couldn't drive around Newcastle in anything approaching red and white.

[Specky]

Ailwyn,

He always jacks them up back and front before checking the wheel bearings, ball joints, steering linkage, etc.

Ray

Just thought the jacking beam runs across the pit..

It's normally located near the front wheels..

TTFN

[surfboardfiller]

If there is any doubt about the MOT technicians ability, to avoid damaging your car, find someone else!
Why don't you take it to a dealership where they know how to jack up a car safely? Or am I missing something

[RayD]

You’re right Dave, there is just a jacking beam running across the pit, I meant… he jacks the front and back up separately.

[RayD]

Phil, you are missing something – I was asking about the equipment rather than the technician’s ability. If I only went to dealerships I’d need to go to three different ones. The only time I did, a young girl carried out the test and failed it for the nearside headlamp being set too low. It would have been quicker to adjust the lamp than write it on the sheet.
Ray

[M100 TWO]

Geoff all the chassis are painted grey so red would do you nicely it is a colour you cant miss it is the same as all driving red cars how many points have you got on your licence

[GeoffSmith]

Sorry John, I was being frivolous!

[M100 TWO]

some others missed your drift!!!!