Visually different suspension components L-R

[voicey]

We have a very good relationship with our MOT testers and would normally just drop a car off for a test, however today I decided to stay as the car had a paddle clutch fitted which meant it was difficult to get it smoothly moving from a standstill.  I figured it'd be better if I moved it around in case there was an issue.

The tester noticed something that I had picked up previously (and had told the client that it wasn't a problem).  The model in question had a revision to the front lower wishbones which means they have a different appearance but are geometrically identical.  This particular car had an old and new version fitted left-right.  Had I not been to hand with additional info, the tester said that he would have failed it for an "improper repair".  It was fortunate that I had a photograph of the two arm types laid on top of each other.

I can see where he would be coming from as it does look like someone has fitted the wrong part.  However I struggled to understand how it could be a straight fail as there wasn't any other evidence that the part was wrong, just the appearance.  We had a sensible discussion about it and even consulted the manual but couldn't find any definitive guidance.

Can anyone offer any guidance?  If it could be a problem going forward then I'll look for a later arm for the other side.

[studabear]

I don't see how he could come to the conclusion if improper repair.

I wouldn't worry about it.

[Deleted]

DVSA have always maintained;


10 Assessment of component condition


It isn’t practical to lay down limits of wear and tolerance for all types of components on different models of vehicle, or to define acceptable amounts of damage, deterioration and effectiveness.



You are therefore expected to use your knowledge, experience and judgement to assess if the condition of a component has reached the stage where it's obviously adversely affecting its functionality or likely to adversely affect the roadworthiness of the vehicle.

[givusaclue]

pass with advisory unless he is an expert in that manufacturer & prepared to go up against them in a court if it got nasty

[remmington]

Mar 20, 2019 14:09:07 GMT 1 givusaclue said:

pass with advisory unless he is an expert in that manufacturer & prepared to go up against them in a court if it got nasty

+1 for

Pass and advise...

[rhyds]

I would have possibly come a-cropper of this a while back.

I'd bought 2x rear anti roll bar droplinks for my Focus MK1. One was the Lemforder part, which was 3-piece and looked identical to the OE parts that were fitted. The other was a TRW part which was about 6-piece and wasn't the same length. Fortunately I managed to get two of the right parts supplied so never had to test whether it would pass an MOT