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.
Wording as it commonly appears on an MOT certificate: “Track rod end ball joint has excessive play”.
What does it mean?
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.
How serious is it?
Usually recorded as: Major. The tester assesses the actual vehicle on the day, so your certificate is what counts.
What normally causes it?
- A split dust boot letting water and grit into the joint, which is far and away the most common reason
- Mileage and age
- Kerb impacts
What a mechanic would check
Wheel in the air, hands at nine and three, rock it while watching the joint. Play there is the track rod end; play with a different feel, or a rumble when you spin the wheel, points at the bearing instead. I'd check the boots on the inner rack ends at the same time, since they're right next door.
What might need replacing
- Track rod end
- Inner rack end, if that's where the movement is
- Front wheel alignment afterwards — this is not optional, the tracking changes as soon as the joint is disturbed
Can you still drive it?
It's a failure. A worn track rod end can eventually separate, and if it does you lose steering on that wheel entirely, so this is one to sort promptly rather than run on.
Repair cost
The part itself is usually inexpensive on most cars. Remember to budget for the alignment afterwards, which is a necessary part of the job rather than an upsell.
Before the retest
Replacing a track rod end, rack gaiter or ball joint almost always changes the tracking, so ask for the alignment to be set after the repair rather than left to chance. Before the retest, check the steering wheel sits straight when driving in a straight line and that the car does not wander. A new gaiter should be properly clipped at both ends; a loose clip is an easy re-fail.
Retest rules
If the vehicle stays at the test centre for repair and is retested within 10 working days, a partial retest is often free; some items qualify for a free retest if you bring the car back by the end of the next working day. The exact conditions are set out on GOV.UK, so confirm with the test centre before you leave. A major or dangerous failure means the car cannot legally be driven away unless the previous MOT is still valid and nothing dangerous was recorded — check your certificate first.
Related help
More steering failures · MOT failure decoder · Ask a mechanic about your certificate
This is general guidance from a UK mechanic, not a substitute for a physical inspection. Only the tester who inspected your vehicle can confirm what was recorded and why.