See what an MOT spring or spring component fractured defect means, common symptoms and why broken springs need proper inspection.
The current DVSA MOT manual treats a fractured or seriously weakened spring component as a significant suspension defect. A broken end can sometimes be difficult to see until the vehicle is raised or the spring is unloaded.
Age, corrosion, repeated loading and road impacts can contribute. Breaks often occur near the end of a coil where dirt and moisture collect.
A broken spring can cause knocking, uneven ride height or tyre contact, but some fractures produce surprisingly little obvious change from the driver's seat.
Garages often consider axle-pair replacement to keep spring characteristics balanced, especially on older vehicles, but the correct approach depends on vehicle specification and the condition of the opposite side.
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Translate my MOTSee common MOT failures →AutoAid explains MOT wording in plain English, but the tester's recorded defect and a physical inspection take precedence.