Result !

[Predictable Bob]

Surf passed the MoT this morning with only basic prep (Lights, wipers etc). It cleaned the emissions test on the first run and there were two advisory's:

Slight lift in o/s & n/s front lower ball joints (Passing mechanic said "That's normal for a Surf" - is he right ?)

Best of all was the second one:

"Offside front brake hose slightly deteriorated"

So braided brake hoses have now moved from the wish list to the MUST list !!!

PS
Anybody who tells Jackie anything different will find my three 16 year olds living in their front garden for a few months !

[dannyboy77]

Slight lift in o/s & n/s front lower ball joints (Passing mechanic said "That's normal for a Surf" - is he right ?)

well done on the pass! mine had the above problems also it is a common problem on the surf but the amount of bashing about off road i do in it cant complain!

[adpsimpson]

Ball joints are a common problem, yes, but also a reasonably easy, and not too expensive, fix. Ours failed on them, and the idler - replacing them made a noticeable difference to the steering.

[charvell]

there should not be more then 5mm of play in the ball joints, i would get them sorted asap a duff one can cause all sorts of problem

[Brummie]

Nice one! Its nice to pass with no real problems.
I'd never be so stupid as to tell SWMBO any thing different!! Us blokes have to stick together when it comes to getting mods past the other half