Any MOT testers? Brake pipe repair question

[E30PF0]

I've just replaced a section of the steel brake lines on my E46, it had corroded & begun to leak. Didn't want to just splice a piece in, so replaced the entire length from flexi to a factory fitted union (drivers rear caliper to the union near the fuel tank/boot floor on the passenger side)

The repair itself is up to standard (proper flaring & female to female union used, not a compression fitting) but the new length of pipe is not attached to every factory body clip due to some of them being in inaccessible locations, instead I've left the original/redundant pipe in place as means of support & cable tied the new pipe to the old one wherever possible - does this class as a secure enough mount? It's not going anywhere & doesn't chafe or rub against anything.

For context: it's the line that feeds the drivers caliper on the rear, it runs above the subframe but the softer cunifer pipe was flexible enough for me to thread it through where the original one ran, but the clips are in inaccessible locations unless they subframe and fuel tank are dropped - something I didn't fancy on my driveway (especially knowing it's being sent off for subframe reinforcement in a few months & I have new factory steel lines to go in then as part of an underside resto). My MOT is due before that's going to happen though.

Is it down to interpretation or are there any specific methods of repair that are advisable?

It'd be a shame to spoil 20 years of flawless MOTs for this, but the thought of dropping the subframe for the sake of getting the pipe bent and clipped into a few retainers is enough to make me want to chance it.

Edited by E30PF0 on Thursday 3rd April 14:24

[Krikkit]

My experience of doing the same repair to the rear lines on an E46 was that as long as they're secure, it's not a problem.

I removed the old line and re-used the clips and brackets etc up to the subframe, then had to improvise, but it passed without comment.

[Sebring440]

If only there was a thread, where you could ask an MOT tester questions...












https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[royliamrl]

Your brake line fix is almost okay for MOT, but cable ties might worry some testers. Rules say brake pipes must be super secure and not wobble. If your new pipe is tied tightly to the old one (no movement/rubbing), some testers might pass it….

Quick Fixes:

Add extra cable ties (thick, strong ones) where you can.

Use metal P-clips (screw them to the car) for a sturdier hold – no need to drop the subframe!

Check These Websites:

MOT Rules:
GOV.UK MOT Manual (search “brake pipes”)
1. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-inspection-manual-...

The ask an MOT tester thread
2. https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Parts/Advice:
1. Euro Car Parts (for P-clips) - eurocarparts.com
2. E46 Fanatics Forum (ask owners) - e46fanatics.com.


For your MOT Test,
Use a GOV.UK-approved test centre (find via GOV.UK MOT Finder).
or , reputable chains like Halfords Autocentre or Kwik Fit are reliable.
or , local garages with good reviews are also suitable like intercarandvan.com, xmserv.co.uk etc

[Mr Pointy]

You could use stainless steel cable ties instead of nylon ones - they might look a bit more impressive.

[rambo19]

royliamrl said:

Your brake line fix is almost okay for MOT, but cable ties might worry some testers. Rules say brake pipes must be super secure and not wobble. If your new pipe is tied tightly to the old one (no movement/rubbing), some testers might pass it….

Quick Fixes:

Add extra cable ties (thick, strong ones) where you can.

Use metal P-clips (screw them to the car) for a sturdier hold – no need to drop the subframe!

Check These Websites:

MOT Rules:
GOV.UK MOT Manual (search “brake pipes”)
1. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-inspection-manual-...

The ask an MOT tester thread
2. https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Parts/Advice:
1. Euro Car Parts (for P-clips) - eurocarparts.com
2. E46 Fanatics Forum (ask owners) - e46fanatics.com.


For your MOT Test,
Use a GOV.UK-approved test centre (find via GOV.UK MOT Finder).
or , reputable chains like Halfords Autocentre or Kwik Fit are reliable.
or , local garages with good reviews are also suitable like intercarandvan.com, xmserv.co.uk etc

Where, in the rules, does it say 'super secure and should not wobble'?