Are covered brake lines an MOT failure?

[Adam32]

I replaced my brake pipes about 1 month ago. At the time I had some spare windscreen washer hose (black colour) that I slit down the centre, put some glue on it and pushed it onto the new brake pipes. I gathered that this would protect them more from corrosion.

The problem is I did not think how they would inspect my pipes for the MOT which is due next week. I have tried to remove the hose, but it is stuck solid and think I would damage the pipes trying to remove it. What will the MOT tester do about this, as it is impossible for them to determine the condition of the pipes? Is this an MOT failure?

[Amused2death]

I think they inspect what they can and note that some components were covered and therefore not inspected. Quite often happens with undertrays etc.

[GreenV8S]

The inspection only covers accessible brake pipes and only checks the pipe is properly supported and not fouled, kinked, chafed, corroded or damaged.

I don't see any problem from the covering either preventing inspection, or causing any of the problems listed above. Just make sure it's supported properly.

[imagineifyeswill]

Practically all Japanese cars come with the brake pipes covered in plastic its perfectly normal.

[Little Pete]

You will probably get an advisory notice mentioning the pipes being covered in some way and a full inspection wasn't possible. It's definitely not a reason to fail the vehicle.

[TooMany2cvs]

Adam32 said:

I replaced my brake pipes about 1 month ago. At the time I had some spare windscreen washer hose (black colour) that I slit down the centre, put some glue on it and pushed it onto the new brake pipes. I gathered that this would protect them more from corrosion.

Assuming they're mild steel, then it's probably more likely to promote corrosion, by holding moisture against the pipe and not allowing them to dry out. If you used copper (or, better) cupro-nickel, then it's a non-issue. If you DID use mild, then the next question is "why?"...

[E-bmw]

^^^^ Wot 'e said^^^^

I would also ask why?

[xjay1337]

Wouldn't be a failure..

[M32Guy]

As an MOT tester I can confirm that anything (not just brake pipes) that is covered is NOT part of the test. The tester can, but is not required to, advise that they were unable to inspect certain items but that's purely to cover them incase of an appeal.

In very rare cases the tester may refuse to test if they determine there is a risk of damage to the vehicle while under testing conditions

[KungFuPanda]

Anyone presented a car with the whole of the underside covered with gaffer taped Monster Munch boxes?

[M32Guy]

No, but if they did I'd refuse to test it