Leaf springs.

I would fail it as the helper leaves are a part of the spring.

I think I will have to continue my usual ideas of being different

A helper spring is not part of the mot test, and there is no specific reason for rejection for it.

Now assuming that the leaf spring is completely mechanically defect free, except maybe for being worn/tired in use, then so long as the vehicle body does not foul a road wheel, or would do if laden, then a defect in a spring helper would be a pass and advise to me.

If the spring helper is in such a defective condition that it is considered dangerous, then abandon the test would be the correct action for me  

I agree with you David

Wally

This is were confusion creeps in and understanding of the discussion gets lost Gaz. A multi-leaf spring set up has leaves and if any one of those leaves is cracked, fractured or distorted due to deterioration or damage, such that it is seriously weakened then I would fail it. I must be thinking of something else where you guys are thinking of leaves of a leaf spring, calling them by unofficial names like spring helpers!!


Davidg  

Sorry for the confusion davidg. Let me explain myself.

A multi leaf spring usually has one main spring and however many additional smaller springs.

A helper spring is usually an aftermarket modification to stiffen up suspension for performance or to prolong the life of hard worked suspension.

My point in my original question was, why you would you treat a helper spring differently to the additional springs used in a multi leaf setup? To me they are much the same thing.

....

we noticed haha

To my understanding Gaz the only reason for rejection that would justify failing spring assistors would be where the vehicle body is fouling a road wheel because the main leaf spring is so weak that it cannot satisfactorily carryout the job on its own, hence the requirement for the assistors to be fitted, and if the assistors were so defective that they were also allowing the vehicle body to foul a road wheel, then I would be failing the vehicle because the suspension unit is too weak to support the vehicle body, and not the spring assistors, which have no reason for rejection that I know of.

Davidg

Section 2.4 information column starts of with the following paragraph;
This sub-section applies to both front and rear suspensions including any optional components fitted.

If spring helpers are fitted after market or by the original vehicle manufacturers from new as there are some, if fitted then they become testable either way.
Bearing in mind there are different designs of spring helpers some look the same as multi leaf springs mounted on top or underneath the main spring, some are just like a small curled leaf bolted on the rear of the spring.
The original poster did not state what design the spring helper was, but does state a leaf broken implying its the type of multi leaf type.
I can't see a problem applying any of the reasons for rejections to the what would be considered an optional component.
One might argue its not original manufactures optional component ,it doesn't have to be ,the manual does say "any" and with out any info via the VSI how would a tester know it was or is not especially on some of the larger motor homes etc anyway .
In my opinion to answer this one if its the type of helper that is of the multi leaf type and its not the main spring with in that helper spring it would be a pass and advise.

Evan a defective leaf(not main leaf) of a multi leaf spring say found on the old land rovers is not always a reason for rejection .