SEAT Alhambra failed MOT due to leaking front shock absorber. We replaced the unit at 1Stop Motor Shop in Newtownabbey and got it MOT ready and road safe.
A SEAT Alhambra came into 1Stop Motor Shop in Newtownabbey for its MOT prep — and failed on a serious issue. During our inspection, we found a leaking front shock absorber, a common but critical fault that affects both safety and ride quality.
As you can see in the images, the shock strut is heavily rusted and wet with fluid, showing clear signs of internal failure.
Shock absorbers are essential for:
Maintaining contact between the tyres and road
Ensuring safe braking performance
Reducing bounce, roll, and sway
Keeping control in wet or uneven conditions
If your shocks are leaking, they can no longer dampen movement properly — and your vehicle will fail its MOT for suspension inefficiency or leakage.
If you’re driving around Newtownabbey or Belfast, look out for:
Fluid dripping near your wheels
Excessive body bounce over bumps
Knocking or banging noises from suspension
Uneven tyre wear
Poor handling or braking response
In this case, the Alhambra showed leak traces on the shock housing, along with rust and deterioration at the base — clear signs of failure.
We removed the damaged front shock absorber, fitted a high-quality replacement, and rechecked suspension alignment. Once repaired, the vehicle went straight through MOT without issue.
This is why MOT preparation matters — we find the problems before they become dangerous or expensive.
