NCT - Spare Wheel and Carriage holder question

Missymoohaa

Hi

Looking for a bit of help. Recently purchased a Citreon Xsara Picasso and the spare wheel was in the boot. On further inspection I found that I could not lower the carriage underneath to store the wheel because a tow bar had been connected to the car. The parts of the carriage holder appear to be in the boot as well. My question is if I take the spare wheel out and leave the car as is, will it fail the NCT? Otherwise the car is perfect.

corktina

leave the spare wheel at home and you'll be fine. It's not a requirement to have a spare but I'd imagine it loose in the boot would be a fail.

CiboC

You don't have to imagine.

Look up the NCT test manual and see what the requirements are, and you will have your answer!

Manual is available on the NCTS website.

Missymoohaa

CiboC wrote: »

You don't have to imagine.

Look up the NCT test manual and see what the requirements are, and you will have your answer!

Manual is available on the NCTS website.

Yes indeed Cibo I have already done that (I'm not lazy) my query was would they pass with the under carriage holder missing (where tow bar is now placed), I can't find an answer to that on the site. Thanks.

Viper_JB

Missymoohaa wrote: »

Yes indeed Cibo I have already done that (I'm not lazy) my query was would they pass with the under carriage holder missing (where tow bar is now placed), I can't find an answer to that on the site. Thanks.

Nah, if it's not there it can't be tested, unless there's some rusty holes left in the undercarriage after it was removed or some dangerous jagged pieces of metal sticking out?

CiboC

Ok, sorry if I sounded flippant!

Probably worth calling into your local test centre to see if they would consider removal of the carrier and fitting of a tow bar as an 'unsafe modification'.

Do you want to a tow bar? Could be easier to get it removed and the spare wheel carrier put back in place? Otherwise you have a choice of the spare taking up space in your boot or not carrying a spare which means you will immediately get a flat....:)

Missymoohaa

CiboC wrote: »

Ok, sorry if I sounded flippant!

Probably worth calling into your local test centre to see if they would consider removal of the carrier and fitting of a tow bar as an 'unsafe modification'.

Do you want to a tow bar? Could be easier to get it removed and the spare wheel carrier put back in place? Otherwise you have a choice of the spare taking up space in your boot or not carrying a spare which means you will immediately get a flat....:)

I was thinking along those lines Cibo, though tow bars can be handy, I rather think your spare tyre would be more important in the event of a flat Just wanted to get it through it's first NCT (with me) though and then look at these things.

slimjimmc

Once the carrier is secure or removed completely you won't have a problem. There's no requirement to even have a spare tyre in the car.

mgbgt1978

Are you sure the spare carrier will not fit back on ?
I had a Picasso, and while I did have to remove the carrier to fit the Towbar, it went back on again with no problem once I fitted the Towbar.

The Threaded part of the carrier often rusts and seizes. This could be the reason it's been left in the boot.

Missymoohaa

mgbgt1978 wrote: »

Are you sure the spare carrier will not fit back on ?
I had a Picasso, and while I did have to remove the carrier to fit the Towbar, it went back on again with no problem once I fitted the Towbar.

The Threaded part of the carrier often rusts and seizes. This could be the reason it's been left in the boot.

To be honest with you mgbgt I don't know, I'll have to get somebody to have a look at it, I'm a bit clueless. Just concentrating on NCT at the moment, but if I can get it back on I will (or rather if I can get my husband to put it back on):D

mgbgt1978

No problem. If it's the complete spare wheel holder it just 'clips' into two holes on the underside of the car.
And a Threaded piece goes down through the floor (small U-shaped section of carpet just inside the rear door, over towards the right) and pulls the holder up tight against the underside of the car.
You (he) should be able to turn this threaded part with the end of the wheel brace.

If you do manage to get it all back together the jack normally goes into a small plastic box which fits into the spare wheel dish. Don't put it there as you cannot drop the spare wheel down enough to get it out if a rear tyre punctures. Leave the jack in one of the under-floor compartments in front of the rear seat.

Missymoohaa

mgbgt1978 wrote: »

No problem. If it's the complete spare wheel holder it just 'clips' into two holes on the underside of the car.
And a Threaded piece goes down through the floor (small U-shaped section of carpet just inside the rear door, over towards the right) and pulls the holder up tight against the underside of the car.
You (he) should be able to turn this threaded part with the end of the wheel brace.

If you do manage to get it all back together the jack normally goes into a small plastic box which fits into the spare wheel dish. Don't put it there as you cannot drop the spare wheel down enough to get it out if a rear tyre punctures. Leave the jack in one of the under-floor compartments in front of the rear seat.

Himself had a look at it this evening and had it sorted in a few minutes. Now have lovely clear boot and spare tucked away nice and safe, thanks for the tips much appreciated.