2009 Ford Transit 2.4L Diesel · LS59 SPS

The 2009 Ford Transit received its latest MOT on 2026-05-08, which passed with several advisories that indicate ongoing but manageable wear and tear rather than critical failures. While the vehicle has not faced a major failure since 2025, the recurring advisories on front brake pads and discs—particularly the thinness of the pads and the pitting or scoring on the discs—demonstrate a pattern of brake system degradation that requires attention. The most concerning advisory from the previous failed MOT in 2026-05-07, a dangerous condition where the near-side front track rod end ball joint had a serious risk of detachment due to an insecure lock nut, underscores a critical mechanical issue that must be addressed promptly. This joint’s failure could lead to steering instability or abrupt detachment, posing a significant safety risk. The presence of multiple advisories related to suspension components—such as excessive play in ball joints and worn bushes—also suggests that the vehicle’s suspension system is under significant stress, which could exacerbate ride quality and handling over time if left unchecked. The recorded mileage of 90,202 miles for a vehicle aged 17 years represents an unusually low annual usage rate of approximately 5,306 miles per year, which is far below the typical wear-and-tear accumulation expected from such an older model. This low mileage could imply either minimal operational use, long periods of inactivity, or potential neglect in terms of regular maintenance. However, low mileage alone does not guarantee structural or mechanical integrity, especially when combined with the MOT history’s recurring advisories. Standing vehicles are particularly susceptible to corrosion in brake components, suspension linkages, and fluid degradation, as these elements are exposed to oxygen and moisture without dynamic movement. The central prop shaft bearing failure recorded in 2023 also highlights that even seemingly low-mileage vehicles can develop hidden wear in drivetrain components if not serviced regularly. Given the MOT history’s pattern of recurring advisories—particularly in the brake system, suspension, and drivetrain—your inspection should prioritise a thorough examination of the front brake assembly. Check the brake pads for even wear and thickness, ensuring they are not below the legal minimum, and inspect the discs for warping, scoring, or excessive pitting. Listen for any grinding noises when braking, which could indicate metal-to-metal contact between the pads and discs. The suspension components, especially the track rod ends and anti-roll bar linkages, must be inspected for excessive play or binding, as the previous MOT failures suggest these areas are prone to wear. Visually confirm that the ball joints and bushes are not cracked or degraded, and check for any unusual clunking or rattling noises during suspension travel. Additionally, verify that the steering system is aligned and that there is no excessive play in the steering wheel, which could signal further suspension or track rod end issues. For the brake system, replace the thin pads and consider a full brake disc refurbishment or replacement if the discs are significantly pitted or scored, as this will improve braking performance and safety. Address the front track rod end ball joint failure immediately, as this is a critical safety component. If the vehicle has been stationary for extended periods, check for corrosion on brake pipes, calipers, and discs, particularly on the near-side front and rear, where previous advisories were noted. The suspension bushes and anti-roll bar linkages should be replaced if they show signs of excessive wear or cracking, as these components degrade over time and can lead to poor handling and increased road noise. For the drivetrain, address the central prop shaft bearing failure with a professional inspection and potential replacement, as this can cause vibration or clunking when accelerating or braking. Finally, ensure all fluids—brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil—are topped up or replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, as standing vehicles can lead to fluid degradation. If the vehicle has been used sparingly, consider a comprehensive service to check for any hidden issues, such as timing belt wear or valve train damage, which are more common in lower-mileage vehicles that have not been driven regularly.