MOT 2026 failure - wishbone - driveshaft covers - ball joints

 It was time for the yearly APK (MOT) but it failed on 3 main points:

The first two points are points of attention but are not MOT failures:

1) Handbrake left backside is working poorly.

2) Doorcatcher left front is missing

3) Balljoint tie rod left front is broken / teared.

4) Drive shaft cover left side teard at the gearbox.

5) Wishbone left side has a hole.

Bummer, the first 2 points I can skip. As for point 1, this one is broken off (typical I have this on my old Kappa Coupe as well). Point 2 I will tackle another time. I'm surprised this is not a MOT failure?

By sheer luck I had bought already a pair of wishbones with new ball joints and mouting/stabilizing rubbers. So I had only to order a pair of driveshaft covers, both inside and outside. And a tie rod with ball joint. 

Everything was quite rusty and very tight. It took quite a bit of power to undo everything.

With the wishbone removed it was quite apparent were the issue was.

Strangely I did not make a photo of the new wishbone, ball joint and rubber mounting. Oh well. 

Removing the driveshaft was again hard labour to get it out.

I had of course both sides replaced. This kit is good as it comes with the clamps, grease, lock ring and for the outerside even a new driveshaft nut.

Really pleased with this result:

Putting things back together and mounted the ball joint. Again a little bit of hassle and force but all went well in the end. Again, no photo's taken. 

The tie rod end removal required a lot of force as well. Once it was loose it went prette easy. Pushing the ball joint out was not difficult. I only do have a photo of the new tie rod

No photo of the end result either but all looks decent again. I hope they have some time to do a new MOT this week. Then I can do the same job on the other side when I have some time on my side. In any case, another Sunday well spent.