The small link that connects the anti-roll bar to the suspension has developed play in one of its ball joints. It's the classic cause of a light rattle or knock over rough surfaces at low speed, and it's one of the cheapest suspension faults there is.
Wording as it commonly appears on an MOT certificate: “Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has excessive play”.
What does it mean?
The small link that connects the anti-roll bar to the suspension has developed play in one of its ball joints. It's the classic cause of a light rattle or knock over rough surfaces at low speed, and it's one of the cheapest suspension faults there is.
How serious is it?
Usually recorded as: Minor, Major. The tester assesses the actual vehicle on the day, so your certificate is what counts.
What normally causes it?
- Split rubber boots on the link's ball joints, letting water and grit in
- Age — links live right in the spray from the front wheels
- Impact damage from a big pothole
What a mechanic would check
Grab each link and try to move it by hand — a good one is solid, a worn one rocks or clicks. I'd check both sides even if only one failed, because they wear at the same rate and it's daft labour to do them separately.
What might need replacing
- Anti-roll bar drop links, replaced as a pair
- Anti-roll bar bushes if they're also perished
Can you still drive it?
Whether this is recorded as Minor or Major depends on how much play there is. It's rarely the most urgent item on a certificate, but it's cheap enough that there's no sense leaving it — and worn links let the anti-roll bar bang about, which wears the bar bushes next.
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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.