Massive MOT failure - thanks for the help, singing off for few months!

[frog]

Buy a decent set of allen key sockets. They fit on the end of a 1/2" ratchet and should cope easily with caliper bolts.
Think the quote was a bit excessive and in all honesty would look for another garage to goto. 

[Gozza]

I hate garages too 

I am sure they use the MOT to take the complete p*ss

[barkstar]

9 time out of ten the bias valve isn't seized but the pivot for the operating arm is. As for MOTs I go to a place that only does exhausts, tyres and basic servicing. They're not into fixing MOT failures, mine could have failed on play on a rear wheel bearing but he just noted it on a bit of paper!
Most of the bits you've got can be sorted easily but from experience once those rear calipers go stiff replacement is the only answer longer term.
Rejoice in the fact you have a VW, I've spent many a weekend chasing holes with a welder come MOT time in the past
Barkstar 

[Gozza]

Actually that reminds me, I had to replace my rear caliper previously on my old Mk2 16v as it has seized, tried to free it up but no joy. Cant you use the opportunity to upgrade to mark 3 calipers ?

[AudiA8Quattro]

Don't replace the rear bias valve, hit it hard a few times with a rubber mallet, will almost always free it up.
These valves are not always easy to replace, on a mk3 you will probably have to cut it out, a mk2 may be different, i haven't looked at one for a long time 

[stan_deezy]

Yeah, same as A100Q said..........the bias valve can be a ball-buster. You need a proper brake pipe spanner although I did get away witha standard 11mm open-ended one on a recent bias valve change (the valve had seized and the minute it freed off it leaked fluid everywhere).

Pity you are so far away cos I could have helped: you're looking at a day with help to fix that lot (with loads of cuppas!) 

[Steve_B]

Hi,
Of course they take the piss!
In Sweden they have independent authorities you take the car to for the MOT. The garages are here to earn money out of people, and they do MOT? What a joke.
Comment from Steves Swedish girlfriend. You are a bit too blue eyed sometimes, you lovely English men! 

[Gozza]

Thats it I am going to Sweden for my next holiday lol 

[Gambit]

In Sweden they have independent authorities you take the car to for the MOT.

thats the same as over here in Northern Ireland. cars have to go to a government run MOT centre

or even better is Isle of Man where your car does not need MOT'd unless its been untaxed  for 2 years

[Steve_B]

Right. Have replaced the bias valve, the rear caliper and the ball joint. Busy weekend for me!

Still haven't done the front caliper though. I really don't like the look of those bolts. The metal for them seems quite soft and I'm scared of just rounding out the allen key socket in the heads. Anyone had this problem before and what did you do about it?