Tecalemit highlights the importance of considering steering and suspension components during MOTs.
The annual MOT test for commercial vehicles plays an important part in the maintenance calendar of a fleet manager. Beyond the legal compliance to have all fleet vehicles covered by a valid MOT test certificate, there is also the need to ensure the fleet workshop is preparing the fleet vehicles to MOT standards. Not only will this help to secure a high rate of first time MOT pass, but also to maintain fleet reliability and safety between the annual test inspections.
Whist periodic checks of CV braking systems feature highly on any operators safety regime, there is also the need to consider steering and suspension components. Detecting wear and play in steering and suspension joints can be made easier and quicker by installing Tecalemit DVSA approved MOT play detectors, known affectionately as shaker plates. This allows all the vehicle maintenance technicians to subject the vehicle to the same standard of test procedure that is used in DVSA MOT Authorised Test Facilities. By testing to the same standard, technicians can identify and rectify and potential MOT failure items prior to the test. This can save significant vehicle downtime that arises from dealing with a MOT failure together with all of the time consuming return visits to the workshop and back to the testing station for re-test.
Tools to help
The Tecalemit DE/7353 Commercial Vehicle Hydraulic Play Detector consists of two electro-hydraulic recessed floor plates. A single axle is presented to the play detector plates and the technician controls the movement in four directions using a simple hand control with integral illumination. This allows the steering and suspension joints to be examined for wear in a safe manner whilst avoiding the need to handle the road wheel or use pry bars to identify steering and suspension joint movement. The hands free operation allows a single user to inspect the vehicle and identify any pre-MOT test component repairs and replacements.
With a 16 tonne axle capacity, the Tecalemit unit is suitable for testing HGV and PSV Vehicles. With the vehicle resting naturally on its road wheels, there is no risk to the technician of trapping fingers whilst undertaking the test routine. With a choice of an in-pit or surface mounted hydraulic pump assembly, together with cabled or Bluetooth hand control options, the Tecalemit CV Play Detector can be retrofitted into existing workshop operations.
