Lancer failed Roady :(

tks

tks

Member
Hey guys, so I had a mobile mechanic test my car for a Roadworthy Certificate. Held up alright but it failed on a few things:

- Rims are 17". Apparently I need to downsize to 13" to comply with stock standards
- Rocker Cover Gasket is leaking. Can anyone link me to a place to pick up a cheap one? I don't trust myself to do it but I'll take it in with me when I go to a mechanics to do it (4g93 SOHC)
- Suspension noise in rear passenger side. He's not sure what it is, could be a bush he said. Dunno what to do about that, just get mechanic to look
- Handbrake has 'excessive travel'. Guess it needs to be tightened.

But yeah, that's all. If anyone is able to help, that'd be mad. Also if anyone can offer to help and do the mechanical work (since I dont know how), I'm willing to offer alcohols or dosh as a thank you.
 
I would go somewhere else.

Most places will pass it with 17s on so long as they are safe and have tread.
rocket cover, easy DIY, I have done it on a 4g15 .. It's about 8 hex screws, take it off replace gasket, put back on and re torq. Don't over tighten though or just clean up around the gasket and cover. They won't know unless it pisses oil on the way

hand break is a 5 minute job

but the suspension .. No idea !
 
lol what a moron of a mechanic, 17's are fine if they tell you otherwise tell them to prove it with documentation.
rocker gasket is easy, get some gasket goo as well and use a new gasket along with the goo for extra good seal, dont tighten the bolts much as they have very low torque needs, otherwise you bend the cover and cause more leaks, or crush the gasket too much and cause more leaks

hand break, take of center console and adjust the little nut on the hand brake till handbrake feels better
 
He sounds like a bit of a stickler for rules.

VSI 06

Replacement of tyres that change tyre overall diameter by more than 7% of the overall
original diameter*.
* ’overall original diameter’ means the maximum outside diameter of the largest tyre
specified by the vehicle’s original manufacturer as an option for the vehicle, as shown
on the vehicle’s tyre placard.
Example requiring certification:
• Replacing 215/65R17 (712 mm overall diameter) tyres with 265/65R17 (776 mm
overall diameter) tyres, an increase in overall diameter of 64 mm, or 8%.
Example not requiring certification:
• Replacing 215/65R17 (712 mm overall diameter) tyres with 235/65R17 (738 mm
overall diameter) tyres, an increase in overall diameter of 26 mm, or 4%.
Tip: To determine if the tyres you have selected require certification you need to look at
the tyre placard fitted to the vehicle by the manufacturer. Sometimes the tyre placard
will show more than one tyre size, allowing optional tyres of that size to be fitted. If one
of the tyre sizes marked on the placard (eg 215/65R17) matches the marking on the
tyre sidewalls, certification is not required.

The rocker cover gasket is really easy to fix, you could use gasket maker, or buy a new gasket. The suspension knock could be a bush, loose nut/bolt or shock absorber. find a scenario which causes the noise and listen. It's hard to describe the noise each makes but there is a difference. Alternatively, jack up the car and have a look. flex the joints to check for tears.

*Wrong page. Newer version is out.
 
Holesom said:
He sounds like a bit of a stickler for rules. But 17s are too big. You have to downsize to 15s, check VSI 06 on the RTA website.
Click to expand...

QLD - Maximum wheel size – Rolling diameter cannot increase more than 15+mm/-26mm.

Sourced from Page 11 of Department of Main Roads and Transport QLD - Minor Modifications - Vehicle Standards Instruction G19.1

This mobile mechanic has no idea what he's talking about.
 
damn, you really must of pissed off this mechanic :lol:

Now im not sure if this is accurate, but since you failed the roadworthy the mechanic inputs info into the RMS database reasons for failure so if you take it to a different mechanic for an inspection they will pull it up on file and check to see if the previous defects were cleared before progressing
most of that stuff is very easy to fix and should be able to crack over in an afternoon

I highly recommend giving your engine bay and car a good clean at the car wash before heading down again for another rego check just to get rid of any old sludge build ups that they might try and pick on you for
 
Okay well after everyone's advice, I'll probably try and do the rocker gasket (I'll have to find one, if its too pricey, its not worth it) and tighten the handbrake myself. I'm really unsure on the wheels though; they were on the car when I bought them, how could they be an issue now?

As for a 'rules guy', he really does seem it. He was pretty friendly though, even apologized for failing me, I guess since it's a family business, they need to stick by the books to keep a good reputation. As for the suspension, I never noticed (music is always pumping) but I listened after a quick drive and it squeaks pretty much non-stop. Especially if you just push down on the passenger tail light area while the car is parked. I'll have to have a look, won't really know what to look for though.

For cleaning the engine bay, do you just squirt it with the "Tyre, Wheel and Engine Cleaner" selection at the car wash? I've never used it, cause I was scared of the exposed electronics messing up.
 
tks said:
[SNIP]
For cleaning the engine bay, do you just squirt it with the "Tyre, Wheel and Engine Cleaner" selection at the car wash? I've never used it, cause I was scared of the exposed electronics messing up.
Click to expand...

Did that on my first lancer - when I first tried to drive it out it was far from a happy car, jerking and stuff. So I let it dry (let it idle for 15minsish) and was perfectly fine after.
 
tks said:
Okay well after everyone's advice, I'll probably try and do the rocker gasket (I'll have to find one, if its too pricey, its not worth it) and tighten the handbrake myself. I'm really unsure on the wheels though; they were on the car when I bought them, how could they be an issue now?

As for a 'rules guy', he really does seem it. He was pretty friendly though, even apologized for failing me, I guess since it's a family business, they need to stick by the books to keep a good reputation. As for the suspension, I never noticed (music is always pumping) but I listened after a quick drive and it squeaks pretty much non-stop. Especially if you just push down on the passenger tail light area while the car is parked. I'll have to have a look, won't really know what to look for though.

For cleaning the engine bay, do you just squirt it with the "Tyre, Wheel and Engine Cleaner" selection at the car wash? I've never used it, cause I was scared of the exposed electronics messing up.
Click to expand...

Your wheels are fine, they are not an issue. Use the documentation I cited as evidence, print it out if need be, but ask them to prove you can;t have 17's first. The onus is on them to present the documentation preventing it.

Rocker cover gasket should be about $20. Get high temp silicone sealant on it too (one light string along the entire gasket is enough). Then tighten each bolt across the face of the cover in opposition to each other. So if you did top left first, do bottom right next etc. Do them up until they are hand tight (or until they start to get stiff with a socket). Soon as you feel them stiff, do another 1/2 turn, that's it.

For cleaning the engine bay, spray WD-40 on all plugs, around spark plugs, and any kind of electrical item. Then spray degreaser all over the place and LIGHTLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY hose it off (hose on lowest god damn setting imaginable). Then put some car wash and warm water in a bucket and attack your engine bay with an old dustpan brush and that water. Then hose it off again. Then start er up and idle for 10-15min before a quick drive.
 
rigby said:
tks said:
Okay well after everyone's advice, I'll probably try and do the rocker gasket (I'll have to find one, if its too pricey, its not worth it) and tighten the handbrake myself. I'm really unsure on the wheels though; they were on the car when I bought them, how could they be an issue now?

As for a 'rules guy', he really does seem it. He was pretty friendly though, even apologized for failing me, I guess since it's a family business, they need to stick by the books to keep a good reputation. As for the suspension, I never noticed (music is always pumping) but I listened after a quick drive and it squeaks pretty much non-stop. Especially if you just push down on the passenger tail light area while the car is parked. I'll have to have a look, won't really know what to look for though.

For cleaning the engine bay, do you just squirt it with the "Tyre, Wheel and Engine Cleaner" selection at the car wash? I've never used it, cause I was scared of the exposed electronics messing up.
Click to expand...

Your wheels are fine, they are not an issue. Use the documentation I cited as evidence, print it out if need be, but ask them to prove you can;t have 17's first. The onus is on them to present the documentation preventing it.

Rocker cover gasket should be about $20. Get high temp silicone sealant on it too (one light string along the entire gasket is enough). Then tighten each bolt across the face of the cover in opposition to each other. So if you did top left first, do bottom right next etc. Do them up until they are hand tight (or until they start to get stiff with a socket). Soon as you feel them stiff, do another 1/2 turn, that's it.

For cleaning the engine bay, spray WD-40 on all plugs, around spark plugs, and any kind of electrical item. Then spray degreaser all over the place and LIGHTLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY hose it off (hose on lowest god damn setting imaginable). Then put some car wash and warm water in a bucket and attack your engine bay with an old dustpan brush and that water. Then hose it off again. Then start er up and idle for 10-15min before a quick drive.
Click to expand...

Well the mechanics 'documentation' was a sticker he pointed out on the inside of the driver's door. Not sure what its called but it had a bunch of stock information on it. One of which were the stock rims/tyres specs, which states R13. So I guess he'd use that against me.

Where can you pick up the Rocker cover gasket for $20? I skimmed through eBay and cheapest I found (within reason) was $65 free postage.

I'll have to give that a go. I'll probably get water in the intake and kill the car or something knowing me
 
Yeah that's the *fudge*ing original specs of the vehicle, so long as the rolling diameter matches the specs on that plate and so do the load rating of the tyres, you;re all good. Tell him to *fudge* off. As if you couldn't ever get bigger rims. *fudge* this guy.
 
rigby said:
Yeah that's the f*** original specs of the vehicle, so long as the rolling diameter matches the specs on that plate and so do the load rating of the tyres, you;re all good. Tell him to f*** off. As if you couldn't ever get bigger rims. f*** this guy.
Click to expand...

Yeah it's been a bit of a f-around. I've found some of those multi-spoke rims that came on the late model CEs for $125 with brand new tires and they're R14, they should be fine.
Probably just pick them up and everything should be good wheels-wise
 
Dude, no. Go to someone else for a second opinion. Like a more trustworthy workshop. You have the god damn law on your side. If the plate was the be and end all of legality the Vehicle Standards legislation would have said so.
 
rigby said:
Dude, no. Go to someone else for a second opinion. Like a more trustworthy workshop. You have the god damn law on your side. If the plate was the be and end all of legality the Vehicle Standards legislation would have said so.
Click to expand...

Ah damn, already bought the rims. They look schmick anyway so I'll chuck 'em on.
Might be easier to sell too without the chromie eyesores

Edit: Dunno why but my Dad called up Main Roads (while I was gone), they said I shouldn't be allowed to pass if they're bigger than 15" as well
 
That makes no sense. You need to tell them to link you to the relevant documentation that states that, us from what I've found from them, there is nothing stating maximum size increase from stock.
 
Holesom said:
He sounds like a bit of a stickler for rules.

VSI 06

Replacement of tyres that change tyre overall diameter by more than 7% of the overall
original diameter*.
* ’overall original diameter’ means the maximum outside diameter of the largest tyre
specified by the vehicle’s original manufacturer as an option for the vehicle, as shown
on the vehicle’s tyre placard.
Example requiring certification:
• Replacing 215/65R17 (712 mm overall diameter) tyres with 265/65R17 (776 mm
overall diameter) tyres, an increase in overall diameter of 64 mm, or 8%.
Example not requiring certification:
• Replacing 215/65R17 (712 mm overall diameter) tyres with 235/65R17 (738 mm
overall diameter) tyres, an increase in overall diameter of 26 mm, or 4%.
Tip: To determine if the tyres you have selected require certification you need to look at
the tyre placard fitted to the vehicle by the manufacturer. Sometimes the tyre placard
will show more than one tyre size, allowing optional tyres of that size to be fitted. If one
of the tyre sizes marked on the placard (eg 215/65R17) matches the marking on the
tyre sidewalls, certification is not required.

The rocker cover gasket is really easy to fix, you could use gasket maker, or buy a new gasket. The suspension knock could be a bush, loose nut/bolt or shock absorber. find a scenario which causes the noise and listen. It's hard to describe the noise each makes but there is a difference. Alternatively, jack up the car and have a look. flex the joints to check for tears.

*Wrong page. Newer version is out.
Click to expand...

This ^^^

I've been working along side the road and maritime services for past 10 years, the guy that did the inspection should be audited as he's not up to date with the current VSIs
 
I just read over the pdf you linked EVL20T, and I see where you guys are coming from; that's pretty bs. Kinda stupid that Main Roads couldn't even get that right..
I'll call up and talk to the mechanic. If he says he'll pass it, may as well just re-sell the wheels.

Still struggling to find a cheap-ish rocker cover gasket kit, can anyone link me? Only one I found was $65 on eBay
 
Like many here the 13" stock wheels will never fit my coupe again with the bigger Proton brakes.
As long as the wheels are legal for the car I don't see why they need to go back to stock for a road worthy check.

Just my 2 cents worth.

ETA - should be able to get rocker cover gasket kit from Repco and SCA for about the same.
Not a hard job to replace, I've even done it on a 4G93.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top