Rear Axle MOT failure

Eightball · Dec 4, 2012

Hi all

Just after a quick piece of advice/confirmation.

My '68 IIa failed its MOT today

Other than a couple of minor things like the number plate light not working, it had failed due to "Rear Axle Beam distorted [2.5.A.5b]"
The MOT chap actually said it failed because it was "corroded"

A photos of the rear axle are below. Originally I was surprised it had failed because of this, but on reflection and having had a read on the interweb I am more accepting that this is a legitimate failure as the corrosion is within 30mm of the spring hanger mounts (?)

So my questions are:

Is the corrosion on my axle a valid reason for my MOT test failure?

What is the quickest/simplest/best way of fixing this so that I can get my hands on a MOT in the next 10 days? My plan was to get through the winter and then the Land Rover would be getting a full refurb.

Could someone who understands the MOT system confirm that the reference given on the refusal cert is the correct one for the rear axle? I've googled and it looks to me like the reference is for front suspension.

Many Thanks
Andy

mistericeman · Dec 4, 2012

Yes it WILL fail on that as it falls within the 30cm ruling ....

Now get the grinder out and trim it off CAREFULLY (It's a strengthening section and not needed indeed a lot of series axles don't have it)
Quick dose of red oxide and some black paint and back for the Re-test

tomseries3tom · Dec 4, 2012

i have never seen rust like that on a axle before does it not leak!!!

mistericeman · Dec 4, 2012

tomseries3tom said:
i have never seen rust like that on a axle before does it not leak!!!

It's a VERY common thing as the strengthening rib is basically a box section and traps water and mud leading to it festering away from the inside. Doesn't usually leak as it is only welded onto the main axle tube

DiscoPol · Dec 4, 2012

tomseries3tom said:
i have never seen rust like that on a axle before does it not leak!!!

it isnt part of the axle casing as in the bit with the oil in, its a strengthening rib or beam from what i can see, so yeah whip it off and red oxide it then lash over everything with some black chassis paint.

if its not there it cant be failed on corrosion can it

Eightball · Dec 5, 2012

So, cut the whole piece off from diff up to the spring hanger?
Treat/paint to keep the rust out.
Sort out the other minor stuff (some I've already done)
Take it back for retest!

Many thanks for the help.

mistericeman · Dec 5, 2012

Eggsackerly .....go easy with the grinder tho ...you dont want to cut into the actual axle tube.

Eightball · Dec 13, 2012

Just want to say a quick "thank you" to those who offered me advice.

I did as suggested and cut off the offending bit of rot, then painted with red oxide & black enamel paint ... Result was a 'pass' on the retest so I have that all important peice of paper for another year.

Just got to sort out the starting issue now...

Rear Axle MOT failure

Eightball

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mistericeman

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tomseries3tom

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mistericeman

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DiscoPol

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Eightball

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mistericeman

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Eightball

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