4 Symptoms of Worn-Out Wishbones

The front wheel suspension design varies widely depending on the manufacturer and vehicle type.

The wishbones connect the wheel carrier to the chassis in a single moving connection. They absorb the forces generated by braking, accelerating, and compressing the wheel during driving.

Wear and ageing can cause many sorts of injury to the wishbones. On one hand, the wishbone bearings (also known as wishbone bushings or rubber mounts) wear out at the ends, while the ball joints can be knocked out. Corrosion on the control arm is an issue in rare circumstances. Serious damage is usually only caused by extreme violence, such as an accident.

When using an online MOT history checker, you'll notice that a defective suspension component is a regular reason for a MOT test failing.

What Does MOT Stand For?

What exactly is a MOT? When the MOT was first created in 1960, it stood for the Ministry of Transport, which was the government department in charge of roadways. A MOT test had only been necessary once a car was ten years old when it was originally established.

Is MOT Every 3 Years?

The MOT test ensures that your vehicle complies with all applicable safety and environmental regulations. Your car must have a MOT by either: the registration's third anniversary If it's over 3 years old, the anniversary of its last MOT. In other words, a yearly MOT Test is a legal requirement for any vehicle that is more than three years old.

The following are signs and symptoms of worn-out wishbones. If you come across any of the below, look online for car garages in Reading and book your car in with a qualified mechanic to fully diagnose the issue and carry our any repairs or part replacements to fix the problem:

1. Rattling and Rumbling

2. Inaccurate Directional Stability

3. Spongy Driving

4. Cracking Noise When Turning

The sounds made when turning (often metallic noise) is the easiest way to identify a worn wishbone. You can jack up the automobile (unless a lift is available) and grasp the wheel left and right and up and down to see if the control arm is worn out. If the wheel should not be stuck, the suspicion of a worn wishbone bearing is confirmed.

However, numerous components of the steering and chassis can generate play on the wheel or rattling noises. Following an initial suspicion, a competent workshop like the majority of garages in Reading must determine the exact source of the defect in order to prevent replacing parts that are still functional.

If you search ‘check my MOT history online’, a previous MOT failure due to a worn-out wishbone may not state exactly which part is faulty. This is when the car mechanic takes over to investigate exactly where the noise is coming from and only replacing the components at fault.

How Long Can You Drive Without MOT?

Is it possible to drive without a MOT? No, driving without a valid MOT certificate is unlawful. Unless you're driving to a pre-booked test at an accredited test centre, you can't drive without a MOT if your vehicle is more than three years old.

Do You Get A 14 Day Grace Period for A MOT?

Many people assume that lapsed MOTs have a two-week grace period, which can provide drivers time to get their car scheduled for a MOT test. Unfortunately, the 'MOT grace period,' contrary to common perception, is a myth.

What To Confuse the Control Arm With?

Other factors can influence how a wheel spin. A worn axial joint in the tie rod, worn dome bearings, a worn steering gear, a worn tie rod end, a damaged wheel bearing, or an improperly mounted wheel might all be signs. Is it possible to drive with a rusted wishbone bearing? If the wishbone bearing is worn, the tyres will wear out faster, there will be annoying noise while driving, and the wheel guidance will be poor.

Main Inspection and Wishbone Wear

If a wishbone is broken or a rubber mount is damaged, this is a significant flaw that ensures you will not pass the main examination. A bent or damaged control arm is no exception. If it's just a rubber mount detachment, it's feasible that the car will pass the major test with only a minor flaw.

First and foremost, you must determine whether repair or replacement of the control arm is viable. By squeezing the wishbone bushes or wishbone bearings in or out, it is often able to replace them individually. Complete replacements, on the other hand, are frequently more expensive than repairs. It's best to inquire about which option is preferable at the session. You should not rely on used spare parts for wishbones because they are worn parts. Swapping the wishbones by axis is also recommended. On each wheel side, there are several handlebars that should be checked. Other handlebars that have been worn out are not unusual.