Our Ka passed it's MOT like this....

[rox0r]

Went in for MOT recently, the missus had been complaining of a knocking/rattling coming from the back end. I'd already looked as I thought it was the boot catch or something but hadn't really looked properly. Took it in for service and MOT to a bloke her dad has known for years as a friend and trusts. Told him about the rattling and when it came back from service it had passed it's MOT and he said that they'd 'done the rear suspension'. Fair enough, pays the money and off we go.
Gets down the road and the noise is just as bad as before so I'm getting a bit radgy now. Stuck my head under the rear driver side wheel arch and found....well, see for yourself.
Just goes to show, MOT certificate don't mean squat until you get a second opinion.

Needless to say it's been 'sorted' properly now free of charge

[joshwa]

Is that what I think it is? A completely broken spring?

[rox0r]

It is indeed, one very snapped coil

[IAmATeaf]

Would the springs be checked as part of the MOT then? I remember when having the wifes car MOT-ed they seemed more concerned with plugging sensors in to get readings then the actual physicals of the car.

[chuckskull]

MOT's only seem to check mirrors seatbelts and emissions now. Not to mention the price is rising again soon

[kalniel]

GF's fiesta had a snapped spring spotted during her MOT - which was a relief as it handles a lot better now

[Rack]

I think for suspension they often just check nothing is loose when on a hoist. Don't have to do a full peice-by-peice inspection.
But that's shocking if you actually told him about it.