1986 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · D747 NOJ

This 1986 Land Rover Defender passed its most recent MOT on 22 May 2026, but the test record shows a vehicle with significant and worsening mechanical wear. The pass came with multiple advisories that point to serious underlying issues requiring urgent attention. The most concerning pattern is the deterioration in the rear suspension and wheel bearings over the past six months. Both rear coil springs are corroded, the rear spring mounting area is corroded, and the offside rear wheel bearing has developed play. These are not minor wear items. Corroded springs can fail suddenly, and wheel bearing play indicates imminent failure. Six months ago, in January 2025, the offside front wheel bearing also showed play, suggesting a broader pattern of bearing wear across the vehicle. Tyre fitment has become a critical issue. The most recent test flagged all four tyres as protruding beyond the wheel arch, and the previous test in May 2026 recorded both front tyres fouling the suspension arms—a dangerous condition that caused the vehicle to fail. This suggests either suspension geometry has shifted due to wear or damage, or tyres have been fitted incorrectly or are oversized.