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Requirements
Condition, operation and performance. Suitable vehicles will
be tested on a roller brake tester. Vehicles such as those with
permanent 4-wheel drive will be tested either on a suitable road
using a properly calibrated and maintained brake testing gauge
or, if one is installed at the test station, a plate brake
tester.
Braking system
Testing procedure
The braking system will be subject to two detailed
inspections. One will be an inspection of the physical brake
components. The other will be a test to determine the brake
efficiency. The MOT inspector check the brake pedal for travel
and excessive free play in it's mounting. he/she will then
inspect the individual braking components for wear. and leakage.
This will include but is not limited to brake servo unit, brake
master cylinder, brake pipes and mechanical braking components.
The second test will usually be carried out on a rolling road
brake testing machine. This machine will test the performance of
the cars braking system. The test will determines if the braking
system is safe for the road. It will take a reading from each
wheel. This will help determine brake efficiency and brake
balancing.
Common faults
- Excessively worn pads/shoes can
often result in an MOT failure. Brake pads and shoes are
designed to wear through time due to use. The lining
component will wear when it rubs against the brake disk or
brake shoe. When the lining wears down it is possible for
contact to occur between the metal of the pad and the disk.
When this happens the disk will become scored. A scored disk
will reduce the braking efficiency on the effected brake
unit. You should regularly inspect your brake pads and
shoes, or have them inspected for you by a competent
mechanic. If components are worn they should be replaced.
- Brake fluid leaks will always
result in a vehicle failing it's MOT test. Cars use a
hydraulic system to operate the brakes. Fluid leaks can
cause severe loss of braking efficiency. Hydraulic braking
systems should be inspected at every service and any faults
repaired.
- Hand brake not operating to within MOT
standards. The handbrake needs to be able to
meet a certain level of effectiveness in order to pass the
mot test. It is important to ensure the actual brakes have
been adjusted correctly, and not just the hand brake cable.
By simply taking up the free play in the handbrake cable you
will create an illusion of the handbrake lever feeling
tighter. The truth of the matter is this will not improve
the overall effectiveness of the handbrake by much. It may
however reduce the braking efficiency of the main braking
system. If you are not sure how to make adjustments to your
braking system please consult a competent mechanic.
- Uneven braking performance will
be diagnosed during the MOT test using a rolling road brake
testing machine. Uneven braking needs to be further
investigated. It can often be a result of brake component
wear or uneven adjustment of the braking system.
Also see: brake
maintenance
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