2010 Ford Transit 2.4L Diesel · OY60 CKA

The defining mechanical narrative of this 2010 Ford Transit is one of persistent front suspension and steering wear that has now extended into the braking system, with a recent dangerous tyre failure and prop shaft issue underlining that the underlying chassis and running gear are showing their age. At the most recent test on 14 January 2026 the vehicle passed, but only after a retest two days earlier following a dangerous offside rear inner tyre defect exposing ply or cords and a major defect where a central prop shaft securing bolt was found loose. Both of those items are safety-critical, and the fact that the prop shaft bolt was loose enough to be classified as a major suggests a worthwhile inspection of all driveline fixings is overdue. Alongside the pass, four advisories were issued, including worn front anti-roll bar D-bushes, front brake disc wear on both sides, a worn nearside front lower suspension arm rear bush, and a severely deteriorated offside front anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover, which together paint a clear picture of a front end that is steadily loosening up rather than deteriorating in one isolated area. Mileage stands at 106,638 miles across roughly sixteen years, equating to an average annual accumulation of around 6,665 miles, which is broadly typical for a working van of this type and does not suggest long periods of standing or unusually heavy use. The MOT testing history is continuous on an annual basis, so there are no significant gaps to imply the vehicle was laid up for extended periods, which is a positive indicator for general mechanical condition. The gradual accumulation of mileage means wear is consistent rather than shock-loaded, but for a commercial vehicle of this vintage the cumulative effect on suspension, steering and braking components is exactly what is now being reflected in the test record. Buyers should interpret the steady mileage as confirmation that the advisories are the result of natural wear progression rather than abuse, but also understand that the wear is now at a stage where several components are approaching the end of their useful life. From a buyer guidance perspective, the front suspension is the area that warrants the closest physical inspection, as the anti-roll bar D-bushes, the lower arm rear bush and the ball joint dust cover all sit within a tightly connected assembly, and it is common for one worn item to accelerate wear on the others. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps, uneven road surfaces and during sharp low-speed direction changes, which would indicate the worn bushes have progressed beyond advisory condition into excessive movement. The track rod end play flagged in 2024 should be re-checked by rocking each front wheel at the three and nine o'clock positions to feel for looseness, and the steering should be observed for any vagueness or juddering on a straight road. Front brake disc wear was noted at both tests in January 2026, so the pedal should be tested for any judder under firm braking and the discs inspected for a distinct lip on the outer edge, which would confirm they have worn close to or beyond the minimum thickness and are likely due for replacement. The brake pipes were flagged in 2024 as being corroded and covered in grease, which is a particular concern on a van of this age where underfloor lines are exposed to moisture and road salt, and any further corrosion since then could easily push the pipes into a fail category. Inspect the underside carefully for any bubbling, flaking or weeping along the full length of the brake lines, particularly at the flexible hose-to-pipe junctions and where the lines pass over the subframe or axle. The rear leaf spring shackle and anchor pin advisories from 2025 suggest the rear suspension is also beginning to wear, so listen for any sagging or uneven ride height at the rear when the vehicle is unladen, and check for sideways movement of the spring assemblies when stationary. The prop shaft bolt failure should prompt a physical check that all centre bearing and coupling bolts are correctly torqued, and any vibration felt through the floor under load would indicate a worn UJ or centre bearing that has not yet been flagged. Finally, given the dangerous tyre failure recorded only eight months ago, all four tyres should be examined for age-related sidewall cracking, and a thorough walkaround completed for any signs of neglected routine maintenance that could otherwise remain hidden until the next MOT.