Helpful cheap tool

Slidey

I am a DoE tester and there is a couple of mechanics who I would deal with on a regular basis.

Most of the time the vans/jeeps they bring in have everything in top notch condition and will pass first time round.

There has been a few instances where bottom ball joints have shown up on the test when using the shaker plates. No play can be found with it jacked up but they can clearly be seen popping or kicking when the plates are used.

The mechanics always say that they could never find that in the garage.

Well the other day there came in a tool catalogue into the garage and I saw a tool that was made for this very job. They wanted nearly a ton for it afair.

I made my own a few days later and it works a treat



I used a bit of solid bar and an off cut of hydraulic hose to make mine.




Here, with the brake pressed you can check wishbone bushes and the likes



This way will show up bottom ball joints.

Excuse my four poster lift, cut backs....


Hope this helps someone..

CJhaughey

I had an old Renault torsion bar that was a great tool for levering at stuff under the car, it was about 3 ft long, best thing ever from Renault!

sam ford

DO YOU HAVE THE FULL WEIGHT OF THE CAR ON IT?

Slidey

Yeah.

Its the only way you will get the vehicle to behave as it does on the shaker plates. It doesn't take much effort to move and shake the whole van.