P38 MOT handbrake testing

This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.

Blobthebuilder

Active Member
Posts
202
Location
Scotland
I put car for MOT today and long storey short the tested hasn't a clue on 4X4'S so aborted the test saying he couldn't test handbrake I think he was trying on rollers saying the reading was all over the place and it wasn't wanting to stay on rollers so how is it done, apparently everything else was good and really god emissions
 
Footbrake testing yeah I ment handbrake he said if it canni go on rollers how can he testvit and I said I thought rollers was wrong due to way diff works
 
So due to diff rotating wheels differently it shouldn't be on rollers alto its permanent 4 wheel drive so surely the front wheels will pull it off roller as well must explain the readings he was trying to get
 
My last MOT the dude asked me was the handbrake on the prop or the wheels. When I told him he just moved on. Which is a good thing, never did get around to adjusting mine.
 
As has been stated, the MOT tester is clearly not conversant with perm. 4x4 / transmission brakes & should not be allowed anywhere near your RR
You need to have the test carried out at a station that has a Tapley meter.
 
My tester (who is actually a mate of many years) did the foot brakes on the rollers on my 90 with the Transfer box in neutral.

handbrake he just checked the movement in the lever iirc. Will look more closely next time
 
If you try to do a crash stop on the handbrake on one of these, you will destroy it. A controlled emergency stop yes, but not the sort of stop required to pass a brake test. I have seen the backing plate ripped off the transfer box when a fellow, with a manual, had the hand brake on and being clever side stepped the clutch. A very loud bang, and an expensive repair.
 
If you try to do a crash stop on the handbrake on one of these, you will destroy it. A controlled emergency stop yes, but not the sort of stop required to pass a brake test. I have seen the backing plate ripped off the transfer box when a fellow, with a manual, had the hand brake on and being clever side stepped the clutch. A very loud bang, and an expensive repair.
Sounds like an idiot. Why would you do that??

Only time I use my handbrake is when parked or stationary or a hill start. I leave in gear when parked aswell.

You cannot do A ‘handbrake’ turn (fast, hard tug on a solid surface type hand brake turn) in a vehicle with a transmission brake!
 
Last edited:
Obviously a modern day NVQ auto technician who seem to be in general bloody clueless. A full emergency stop using a transmission brake is a sure fire way to snap an halfshaft.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 8ha
Obviously a modern day NVQ auto technician who seem to be in general bloody clueless. A full emergency stop using a transmission brake is a sure fire way to snap an halfshaft.

68 yr old man who been testing for 37yrs so I guess thinks he knows everything and is up to date
 
Its at local garage today I told him no to rollers and use tappley he smiled and said I'm to stop stressing over MOT and that before then he has made his mind up, normally on ramp he says that tells him all he needs to know plus its a steep slope to to MOT area so I guess could test there
 
Back
Top