Horror Story: Braking bad
Here are some examples of brake defects that could all have serious road safety implications.
Horror stories
Horror story: modified towbar
Gary from Snuff Mill Garage in Sheffield sent us some photos of a Nissan Micra he tested which shows how not to fit a towbar.
Horror story: bulge in the side wall
Here’s an extreme example of a bulge in a tyre’s side wall showing that the internal structure has failed. It would only be a matter of time before the tyre rapidly deflates, resulting in potential loss of control of the vehicle.
Horror story: Broken bush carrier on front suspension
Shane Farmiloe, from Castle Vale Service Station sent us this photo showing the rear bush carrier for the lower suspension arm clearly broken at one of its mounting points.
Horror story: Wooden brake pads
Chris Baxter from D C Baxter (Motors) in Lincolnshire sent us this picture of a homemade wooden brake pad fitted to a Ford Transit.
Horror story: Stapled belt
Ian, from Castlehill services, sent us this picture of a seat belt repair on a 2005 Suzuki Vitara which was presented for an MOT.
Horror story: Brake disc
When the owner of this vehicle dropped it off with Martin, at Discount Tyres in Sittingbourne for its MOT, they mentioned a noise which had been coming from the front of the vehicle when braking.
Horror story: Track rod ends
Someone attempted to remove the track rod ends. After removing a nut they replaced it with a wood screw to make what they thought was a safe repair.
Horror story: Something missing?
It doesn’t take long to spot what’s missing here. David Albin sent us this picture of a Saab presented for test after having new brake discs fitted and there appear to be split pins on the front ball joints.
Horror story: Bit of a knock
This photo sent in by Phil Green from Lincoln shows a front suspension ball joint completely separated from the lower suspension arm.