Steering defects are taken seriously at MOT time and they should be. Anything that puts play between your hands and the front tyres is a safety item, and testers will record it accordingly.
Steering defects are taken seriously at MOT time and they should be. Anything that puts play between your hands and the front tyres is a safety item, and testers will record it accordingly.
The good news is that steering wording is usually more specific than suspension wording. A track rod end is a named part, a rack gaiter is a named part. Where it gets murkier is 'excessive play in steering system', which is a symptom that can come from the rack, the column, a joint or worn wheel bearings.
Here's what the most common steering entries mean, and how I'd narrow them down on the ramp.
Track rod end ball joint has excessive play
The joint at the outer end of the steering track rod — the bit that actually turns the wheel — has developed play. Any slack there translates directly into vague steering and uneven tyre wear.
Full explanation of Track rod end ball joint has excessive play
Steering rack gaiter damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt
The concertina rubber boot on the end of the steering rack has split. Its whole job is keeping road grit and water off the rack's internals and inner joint, so once it's open the clock is ticking on much more expensive parts.
Full explanation of Steering rack gaiter damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt
Excessive movement in the steering system
There's more free movement at the steering wheel than there should be before the road wheels start to turn. This is a symptom rather than a named part — it can come from the rack, a joint in the column, the track rods or worn bearings.
Full explanation of Excessive movement in the steering system
Power steering fluid leaking or reservoir below minimum
Hydraulic power steering fluid is escaping, or the level is below minimum. A weep with the level still fine is normally Minor; a steady leak, an empty reservoir or steering that isn't being assisted properly is Major. Electric power steering cars fail differently — that shows as a warning light or heavy steering, not a leak.
Full explanation of Power steering fluid leaking or reservoir below minimum
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