What is hiding under those engine and underbody covers?

[AMGeed]

Not specifically engine covers, more so the ones alongside each sill that can hide a multitude of problems if you were to take the covers off. But who bothers?

Last week I found I had a leak of brake fluid, noticeable under the front passenger door. Got it booked into my local workshop as he makes up his own brake pipes. I dropped it off this morning and got a call around 1pm to tell me that not only was there one brake pipe leaking, but on removing the covers, five other lines were in shocking condition and need replacing. Literally, the lines were almost rusted through. This will involve dropping the rear subframe and add a couple of days to completing the job.

It does prompt the question, isn't it time that removing these covers to properly inspect the condition of the brake pipes should be made part of the MOT test?
My tester always remarks as an advisory that engine covers are fitted, but what is the point of an MOT if possibly the most important item safety wise isn't properly looked at. I bought the car last Sept with a week old new MOT and the one advisory, a track rod end, replaced. No mention of corroding brake lines as they hadn't been inspected thoroughly.
I'm going to make a point of paying my MOT tester extra to remove the covers and check the brake lines every MOT in future purchases. It could mean the difference between peace of mind or brakes possibly failing with the family onboard.

 

[colinallcars]

Not specifically engine covers, more so the ones alongside each sill that can hide a multitude of problems if you were to take the covers off. But who bothers?

Last week I found I had a leak of brake fluid, noticeable under the front passenger door. Got it booked into my local workshop as he makes up his own brake pipes. I dropped it off this morning and got a call around 1pm to tell me that not only was there one brake pipe leaking, but on removing the covers, five other lines were in shocking condition and need replacing. Literally, the lines were almost rusted through. This will involve dropping the rear subframe and add a couple of days to completing the job.

It does prompt the question, isn't it time that removing these covers to properly inspect the condition of the brake pipes should be made part of the MOT test?
My tester always remarks as an advisory that engine covers are fitted, but what is the point of an MOT if possibly the most important item safety wise isn't properly looked at. I bought the car last Sept with a week old new MOT and the one advisory, a track rod end, replaced. No mention of corroding brake lines as they hadn't been inspected thoroughly.
I'm going to make a point of paying my MOT tester extra to remove the covers and check the brake lines every MOT in future purchases. It could mean the difference between peace of mind or brakes possibly failing with the family onboard.

Agreed and it’s not just brake lines. My SLK rear control arms had rusted through under the plastic covers.

 

[Petrol Pete]

I took the undertray covers off my 150+K mile 16 year old C class to fine the solid brake line looking like the day they came out of the factory in Germany. The exposed (visible) part of the brake pipes going over the top of the rear subframe ..? not so good , due for replacement.

But I agree with the OP covering stuff up for the sake of it can lead to problems as the vehicle ages.

But imagine the cost of an MOT on a Bugatti Veyron or a McLaren (OK the owners will have no problem paying) if half a day is needed to remove the aero undertrays.

Black death that grows unnoticed underneath a plastic cover ?

 

[190]

I took the undertray covers off my 150+K mile 16 year old C class to fine the solid brake line looking like the day they came out of the factory in Germany. The exposed (visible) part of the brake pipes going over the top of the rear subframe ..? not so good , due for replacement.

I found the same with everything near perfect under the covers. The only exception was where the pipes turn upwards to go under the near side rear wheel arch liner. There was something about the way the pipes were supported that had caused slight corrosion. Nothing serious but enough to warrant preventative treatment. The pipes then go around the wheel arch under the liner and the one for the offside rear wheel comes out at the top and goes over the subframe. That section I've had replaced in copper/nickel and don't expect any further problems.

 

[AMGeed]

Got the car back today. Only 3 pipes needed replacing after careful inspection. Both long runs from rear of car to hydraulic pump and the one across the rear subframe. £260 in total plus I got a new Falken front tyre fitted for £91.
Two new remotes needed for the missus Kia Rio at £140 each tomorrow. It's an expensive week.