2006 Citroen Relay 2.2L Diesel · GF56 FTN

Structural corrosion and progressive chassis wear define this high-mileage commercial vehicle's mechanical profile. Although the vehicle secured a pass on 8 May 2026, the overall trend reveals a chassis battling persistent, age-related degradation of its underbody structure and front running gear. The most recent test highlighted both front tyres being worn close to the legal limit and worn on their edges, which points directly to unresolved steering and suspension geometry issues flagged in previous years, such as steering rack play and ball joint wear. The historical record shows a transition from minor dust cover deterioration in 2021 and 2022 to a major structural failure in August 2023 due to severe corrosion near the load-sensing valve on the rear crossmember, alongside ongoing advisories for a holed rear inner valence and a corroded offside sill. Accumulating 188,591 miles over approximately twenty years equates to a highly consistent average of roughly 9,430 miles per year. This steady, moderate annual usage indicates the vehicle has avoided the mechanical issues associated with prolonged periods of standing, but it has reached a mileage threshold where major mechanical assemblies are heavily worn. At nearly 190,000 miles, components like the steering rack, suspension bushings, leaf springs, and the engine's sealing gaskets are operating near the end of their natural service lives. The progression of advisories from a perished ball joint dust cover to play in the steering rack inner joints and worn leaf spring shackle bushes reflects the inevitable wear and tear of a working commercial vehicle. On a test drive, a prospective buyer must pay close attention to the front-end dynamics. The play in the steering rack inner joints and the offside front suspension arm ball joint, combined with the uneven front tyre wear noted in the latest test, is highly likely to manifest as a vague steering feel, a pull to one side, or a distinct knocking noise when traveling over uneven road surfaces or during low-speed maneuvering. The rear suspension also requires close scrutiny; the worn shackle pin and bush on the nearside rear leaf spring can cause a harsh ride, rear-end steer, or clunking noises under load. Additionally, the engine bay must be inspected to locate the source of the oil leak noted in 2025, and the exhaust system should be checked to see if the blowing rear silencer seam has been properly repaired or replaced, as an unresolved leak can affect cabin comfort and emissions. Structural integrity is the most critical area of concern for this vehicle. The 2023 failure for excessive corrosion on the crossmember by the load-sensing valve indicates that the vehicle's underbody is highly susceptible to rust, which was further evidenced by subsequent advisories for a holed rear inner valence and corrosion on the offside sill. A physical inspection on a ramp is essential to verify the quality of any past welding repairs around the rear brake load-sensing valve and to assess the current extent of the rust on the sills and inner valences. If these structural areas have not been professionally repaired and sealed, they pose a significant risk of future MOT failure and could compromise the vehicle's safety in a collision or under heavy payload conditions.