METROCAB Car Parts

Metrocab parts must be selected from the actual taxi generation, chassis and fitted powertrain. Mk1, Mk2, later revisions and alternative-propulsion or converted vehicles can differ in engine, gearbox, brakes, steering, suspension, cooling, electrical systems and accessibility equipment. Record the chassis/VIN, build date, engine and transmission numbers, axle and brake details, body or conversion serials and the number on the removed component.

A registration lookup or the word “Metrocab” does not resolve low-volume running changes. Compare dimensions, threads, splines, hydraulic bores, electrical terminals and mounting orientation. Previous commercial repairs may have introduced service substitutions, so an installed part is useful evidence but must still be checked for correctness.

Taxi operation combines long idle time, repeated cold or short cycles, low-speed steering, frequent braking and passenger loading. Record mileage, engine hours where available, defect history and typical duty. Use the powertrain-specific oil, filter, coolant, fuel and transmission specifications; investigate overheating, low oil pressure, smoke or rising oil level before the vehicle returns to work.

Match discs, drums, pads, shoes, calipers, wheel cylinders, hoses and parking-brake parts as a balanced axle system. Compare brake and hub temperature after a controlled test. Steering play or uneven tyre wear needs inspection of joints, bearings, arms, springs, dampers, chassis/body mountings and any kerb-impact path before alignment.

Passenger doors, steps or ramps, wheelchair tie-downs, occupant restraints, seat locks, interlocks and emergency equipment are part of roadworthiness. Use the fitted equipment maker’s rated components and inspection method. Do not drill improvised anchors or bypass a door or ramp interlock to maintain service.

Use plated gross and axle limits plus correct tyre size, construction, load/speed rating and pressure. Local taxi licensing may add requirements beyond MOT. Withdraw and recover a cab for deficient brakes or steering, unsafe tyres, structural weakness, fuel leakage, overheating, severe driveline vibration or defective passenger restraint/accessibility equipment.

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Vehicle Models and Options for METROCAB

Metrocab Car Parts

TAXI

manufactured from 01/1991

41 Products

Metrocab fitment is a low-volume build investigation

Metrocab taxis evolved through several build phases, powertrains and equipment arrangements. Mk1, Mk2 and later variants cannot be treated as one parts list. Commercial life can also include re-engining, gearbox replacement and accessibility alterations.

Record chassis/VIN, build, body or conversion serial, engine, gearbox, axle, brakes and steering. Photograph brackets, terminals and routing before dismantling because later documentation may depend on that evidence.

Working history can be as important as mileage

Idle hours, urban heat cycles, kerb contact, speed humps and repeated door operation create wear not represented by odometer distance. Record the driver’s defect pattern and whether the concern changes hot, loaded or after a full shift.

Use a planned condition check rather than waiting for separate failures. Brakes, hubs, cooling, charging, door equipment and tyres influence one another during taxi duty.

Build a return-to-service evidence sheet

RecordPurposeRelease decision
Chassis and powertrainIdentifies correct parts and fluids.Confirms actual build.
Mileage/hours/dutySeparates movement from idling.Sets inspection depth.
Brake and hub temperaturesShows drag or bearing heat.Allows safe road release.
Tyre wear/geometryRecords kerb and loading effects.Triggers impact-path checks.
Door/access equipment testProtects passenger entry and restraint.Confirms equipment availability.
Fluid levels and faultsCreates a dated baseline.Supports follow-up after duty.

Powertrain identification precedes routine service

Read engine and gearbox numbers instead of selecting a generic taxi filter or belt. Match oil filter bypass and thread, fuel connectors, belt profile, thermostat arrangement and electrical output. A donor origin does not guarantee Metrocab mounting or calibration.

On a reconditioned installation, record which ancillaries and loom remain. Preserve removed parts until pressure, temperature and road checks pass.

Idle cooling should be tested under full accessory load

Observe actual coolant temperature with lights, cabin fan and other normal loads operating. Test radiator airflow, fan speed and direction, relays, thermostat, pump, cap, heater flow and hose condition. Debris can restrict stacked heat exchangers.

Cabin heater behaviour can reveal circulation trouble

Intermittent heat, gurgling or a cold return hose can indicate low coolant, trapped air or restriction. Pressure-test cold and trace repeated loss rather than topping up between shifts.

Engine oil must reflect the fitted unit and its duty

Use the exact viscosity, approval, filter and capacity. Extended idling can encourage contamination or slow warm-up. Inspect for fuel dilution, coolant ingress and crankcase ventilation faults when the level rises or oil degrades early.

An oil-pressure warning demands shutdown and gauge confirmation. Replacing a sender without measuring pressure risks engine damage.

Keep fluids separated by system

SystemIdentifyAvoid
EngineInstalled unit, approval and capacity.Generic taxi oil.
Manual/automatic gearboxUnit, fluid, filter and level conditions.Selecting by selector shape.
Rear axleAxle type, ratio and lubricant.Assuming gearbox oil is suitable.
CoolingPowertrain materials and chemistry.Mixing by colour.
Brake/clutch hydraulicsSpecified grade and seal condition.Ignoring a dropping level.
Steering where hydraulicSteering unit and approved fluid.Using any red-coloured product.

Urban brakes need heat and balance checks

Measure disc or drum wear, pad/shoe thickness, caliper or cylinder movement, hoses, pipes, adjusters and parking mechanism. Keep friction and hydraulic bore matched across the axle.

Correct rear shoe adjustment before cable tension. After bleeding, confirm pedal reserve, servo assistance, measured imbalance, free rotation and hub temperatures.

Wheel bearings can be damaged by repeated kerb load

Check play, roughness, seal leakage, hub temperature and mounting surfaces. Separate bearing noise from stepped tyre wear by comparing road surface, load and steering direction.

Install with the correct force path and final torque or adjustment. Recheck after a working heat cycle rather than relying only on an unloaded lift spin.

Steering inspection follows the entire impact path

After kerb contact, examine tyre, wheel, hub, bearing, upright, joints, arms, steering gear, mounts and chassis. Measure wheelbase and ride height side to side. Alignment should follow proof that parts are straight and secure.

Low-speed heavy steering can also involve tyre pressure, electrical supply or hydraulic assistance. Test under the conditions in which the driver experiences it.

Suspension carries a repeated passenger load cycle

Inspect springs, dampers, bump stops, bushes, anti-roll links and body/chassis mounts. Compare ride height empty and at the specified checking load. A sagging spring changes headlamp aim and brake behaviour.

Replace axle pairs where unequal spring or damper performance would remain. Tighten bonded bushes in their required normal position.

Tyre specification includes commercial loading

Use size, construction, load/speed rating and pressure supported by the vehicle and tyre data. Inspect both shoulders, sidewalls, beads and age. Frequent kerb scuffing can hide internal impact damage.

Confirm wheel centre, offset, fastener seat and capacity. A refurbished wheel needs crack and material assessment, not only a new finish.

Electrical additions need a documented circuit

Taxi meters, radios, payment equipment, cameras and chargers can add idle load and parasitic drain. Test battery capacity, alternator output and voltage drop with normal equipment switched on.

Every added circuit needs correct cable, fuse, isolation and abrasion protection. Do not share an unknown feed or bypass an original safety function.

Accessibility hardware is rated safety equipment

Inspect ramps or steps, hinges, latches, anti-slip surfaces, wheelchair tie-downs, occupant belts, seat locks and anchorage structure. Follow the equipment maker’s replacement and proof-load guidance.

Door and ramp interlocks must fail safely

Verify warnings and movement prevention in the prescribed sequence. A bypass that keeps the vehicle earning can expose passengers or staff to unexpected movement and must not be treated as a repair.

Structure must support repeated door and suspension loads

Inspect sills, floors, crossmembers, door apertures, suspension and steering mounts, seats, restraint anchors and jacking points. Look beyond underseal and cosmetic trim. Door misalignment can indicate hinge wear or a changing aperture.

Repair corrosion to sound metal while preserving reinforcements and drainage. Protect fuel, brake and electrical routes from welding heat.

Exhaust smoke and emissions need condition-led diagnosis

Black, blue or white smoke has different paths through air supply, fuel delivery, oil control, coolant entry and temperature. Check filter restriction, intake hoses, turbo or breathing where fitted, injector balance and compression. Do not adjust fuelling simply to hide a test result.

Inspect exhaust mounts, flexible sections, heat shields and the route beneath passenger areas. Leakage can introduce gases into the cabin, especially during idling. Test with doors and ventilation in realistic positions and repair the source before service.

Where aftertreatment is present, distinguish soot, ash, sensor and engine causes. Verify that the engine reaches operating temperature. A parked regeneration creates substantial heat and must never be used as a routine substitute for diagnosis.

Faults determine whether the cab remains available

DefectEvidenceDecision
Hot wheel or brake smellBrake drag, bearing, tyre and parking system.Withdraw immediately.
Coolant lossCold pressure, cap, heater and engine checks.No further shift.
Steering knockImpact path and mounting inspection.Do not carry passengers.
Seat/ramp restraint damageRated hardware and anchorage.Affected facility unavailable.
Fuel or oil leakSource, pressure, heat and level.Stop and recover if hazardous.
Structural crackingCorrosion, fatigue and previous repair.Unload and assess.

Return to work through a documented release

Give the driver a clear record of what changed, which warning or noise should trigger withdrawal and when the first follow-up is due. Operational feedback after a complete shift is valuable only when it is specific and promptly reported.

  1. Confirm chassis, powertrain and body equipment.
  2. Capture hours, duty, faults and driver report.
  3. Inspect structure and impact paths.
  4. Use verified parts and unit-specific fluids.
  5. Restore clips, shields, wiring and interlocks.
  6. Measure brakes, hubs and tyre condition.
  7. Set ride height, pressures and alignment.
  8. Function-test all passenger equipment.
  9. Road-test through a realistic heat cycle.
  10. Record results for driver and operator follow-up.

Taxi licensing can exceed the national MOT

The MOT covers defined roadworthiness items. A licensing authority may add condition, accessibility, equipment, age or inspection rules for its taxis. Requirements depend on the authority and operation.

A pass on either date does not permit a later known defect. Daily checks and prompt withdrawal remain essential for brakes, steering, tyres, structure, lights, visibility and passenger safety.

Practical Metrocab parts FAQs

Q: Is the Metrocab name enough to select parts?
A: No. Build phase and fitted powertrain are required.

Q: Can the removed part always be reordered directly?
A: No. Confirm it was correct and unmodified.

Q: Does low annual mileage mean light taxi duty?
A: No. Idle hours and urban cycles also matter.

Q: Can a cab work with a small coolant leak?
A: No. Repair it before another shift.

Q: Should cable adjustment compensate for rear brake wear?
A: No. Correct the service brake first.

Q: Is alignment enough after a kerb strike?
A: No. Inspect the entire mechanical impact path.

Q: Can a hot hub be checked at the end of the week?
A: No. Heat can signal imminent brake or bearing failure.

Q: May taxi accessories use any spare power wire?
A: No. Install protected documented circuits.

Q: Can an accessibility interlock be bypassed?
A: No. Diagnose and restore the safety function.

Q: Is general hardware suitable for restraint anchors?
A: No. Use rated approved equipment.

Q: Does an MOT pass meet every taxi rule?
A: No. Local licensing can add requirements.

Q: When must a Metrocab be withdrawn?
A: For vehicle-control, structure or passenger-safety defects.

Q: Should release checks be recorded?
A: Yes. They support drivers, operators and later diagnosis.