I got a fail today only on an excessive front top mount movement. Funny thing is. They are new top mounts lol. The suspension is rock solid. My question is. See the Macpherson strut MOT test for movement. The excessive movement on them is always usually if put up on the ramp. Not when the car is on its 4 wheels taking all its weight. I remember reading something about this years ago on other VW forums. Garages were failing mrk2 Polo's for this THEN VOSA were forced to investigate. After VOSA investigated and consulted VW about the manufacture of the struts and testing its my understanding that MOT stations had to stop failing perfectly good new strut top mounts during the Macpherson strut tests for suspensions with this setup. I'm trying to find out how to get some confirmation on this . Can I contact VOSA and if I do will they give me information regarding the most recent updates for MOT tests with a mrk2 VW polo??? I thought garages had stopped this carryon failing the mrk2s on "Front Macpherson strut has excessive movement at the upper attachment". But I got a surprise with MOT fail on my mrk2 today lol. Anyone give some factual input on this?

Are you sure the damper cap is on tight? If not this could cause movement at the top

This is not a failure. A lot of new cars have this same problem with the top mounts ie corsa move up and swon 2 inches and this still passes sounds like the mot tester wants some more money hence the fail

I know the MOT tester. Not up to me to tell him his job really. I know the script tho with them top mounts and its first time I've had a fail on one. Its quite funny really because its obviously a visual thing. Yes we know they move like the Corsa's and also the Corrado's and plenty other cars no doubt. Ide like to find out the legal VOSA update even just to clarify to the local MOT stations that are failing certain cars on this, that they need to update their own knowledge concerning this part of this test. Certainly don't want to stand on any toes or offend anybody because that doesn't help anybody really.

This is not a failure. A lot of new cars have this same problem with the top mounts ie corsa move up and swon 2 inches and this still passes sounds like the mot tester wants some more money hence the fail

2.5c of The Testers Manual has a note attached which reads: "Some McPherson strut top bushes are designed to have lateral play when the suspension is hanging free. Rejection is only justified when play is due to wear and/or maladjustment etc."

If they are new, then there won't (or shouldn't) be any wear, so all you have to worry about is if it has either maladjustment or etc !!!!!

Regards.

Cheers for that info about the note at 2.5c of The Testers Manual. Mne are not worn or mis-aligned.

Their are no noises or knocking noises what so ever during driving it on a straight, goinground bends or going over un-even ground. The actual drive is smooth, tight and steering is light and responsive also with absolutely no noises or play. I screwed the nuts down 1 full turn anyway and returned it back to the MOT station. Will let you all know whats what after I pick it up. I will take pictures tomorrow when I get the car back of the top of the struts and show them for some input and discussion on this. Also would be good to see others pics of their top struts UNDER THE BONNET.

Edited 5 August, 201313 yr by TheMitch1

Went to MOT garage and was present during the re-test. All good. Straight pass. Even passed the emissions no bother straight from a cold start. Still the original peirburg carb on it as well. Will take pictures tomorrow for discussion. Just settled down to emmerdale now

Cheers for that info about the note at 2.5c of The Testers Manual. Mne are not worn or mis-aligned.

Their are no noises or knocking noises what so ever during driving it on a straight, goinground bends or going over un-even ground. The actual drive is smooth, tight and steering is light and responsive also with absolutely no noises or play. I screwed the nuts down 1 full turn anyway and returned it back to the MOT station. Will let you all know whats what after I pick it up. I will take pictures tomorrow when I get the car back of the top of the struts and show them for some input and discussion on this. Also would be good to see others pics of their top struts UNDER THE BONNET.