Steering Advisory Costs & Fixes

Receiving a 'steering advisory' on your MOT (Ministry of Transport) test can be a cause for concern for many drivers. It’s a common remark that often leaves people wondering about the implications for their vehicle's safety, performance, and, crucially, their wallet. But what exactly is a steering advisory, and how much can you expect to pay to rectify any issues it highlights? This article will delve into the world of steering advisories, explaining their significance, common causes, and the associated costs, ensuring you’re well-informed and prepared.

Understanding Steering Advisories

An MOT advisory is a note made by the MOT tester about a potential problem that is not serious enough to cause the vehicle to fail its test immediately, but could become more serious in the future. For steering, advisories typically point to components that are showing signs of wear or potential failure. These can range from minor issues like slightly loose steering column components to more significant problems such as worn ball joints or track rod ends. Ignoring these advisories can lead to compromised handling, reduced safety, and eventually, a failed MOT.

Common Causes of Steering Advisories

Several factors can contribute to a steering advisory. Understanding these can help you identify potential issues early and perform preventative maintenance. Here are some of the most frequent culprits:

• Wear and Tear: Like any mechanical part, steering components are subject to wear over time due to constant use, exposure to road conditions, and the forces involved in steering.
• Damaged Components: Potholes, kerb impacts, and general rough driving can lead to physical damage to steering parts.
• Lack of Lubrication: Some steering components require periodic lubrication. If this is neglected, it can accelerate wear.
• Incorrect Repairs: As highlighted in the information provided, using the wrong tools or methods during previous repairs can cause significant damage. For instance, using mole grips on steering shafts, which have specific flats for a spanner, can easily strip the splines and ruin the component, leading to premature failure and costly replacements. This is a critical point: always use the correct tools for the job.
• Corrosion: Exposure to water, salt, and grime can cause steering components, particularly metal parts, to corrode, weakening them and leading to wear or breakage.

Key Steering Components and Their Potential Issues

The steering system is a complex network of components working in harmony. Here’s a look at some of the key parts that might trigger a steering advisory:

1. Track Rod Ends

These connect the steering rack to the steering arms on the wheel hubs. They are critical for the direction of the wheels. Wear in the ball joint within the track rod end can cause play, leading to vague steering and uneven tyre wear. If the outer boot is split, it can allow dirt in, accelerating wear and potentially failing the MOT.

2. Ball Joints

Located at the end of the suspension arms, ball joints allow the suspension to move up and down while allowing the wheels to turn. Worn ball joints can cause knocking noises, sloppy steering, and, in severe cases, can detach, leading to a complete loss of steering control.

3. Steering Rack or Box

This is the core of the steering system, converting the rotational movement of the steering wheel into the linear movement of the track rods. Issues can include leaks from the seals, wear in the internal mechanism, or loose mountings. A worn steering rack can result in play in the steering wheel, knocking sounds, and a lack of precise control.

4. Power Steering System

While not always directly an MOT failure point unless there's a significant leak, issues with power steering pumps, fluid levels, hoses, or the electric motor (in electric power steering systems) can lead to heavy or inconsistent steering, which might be noted as an advisory.

5. Steering Column

The column connects the steering wheel to the steering rack. Wear in the universal joints or bearings within the column can cause play or stiffness in the steering, often felt as knocking or looseness when turning the wheel.

The Cost of Steering Advisories: A Breakdown

The cost to fix a steering advisory can vary significantly depending on the specific component that needs attention, the make and model of your vehicle, and your location. Here’s a general idea of what you might expect:

Minor Issues (e.g., slightly loose steering column joint, minor wear):

• Diagnosis: £0 - £50 (often included if work is carried out)
• Tightening/Adjustment: £30 - £80
• Replacement of a minor component: £100 - £250 (parts and labour)

Moderate Issues (e.g., worn track rod ends, worn ball joints):

• Parts: £20 - £70 per component (e.g., track rod end)
• Labour: 1-3 hours (depending on accessibility and complexity)
• Total Estimated Cost: £100 - £350 (for one side, potentially more if both sides and alignment are needed)

Significant Issues (e.g., worn steering rack, major steering column problems):

• Parts: £200 - £800+ (for a steering rack, can be much higher for premium vehicles)
• Labour: 3-6 hours (can be more if other components need removal)
• Wheel Alignment: £50 - £100 (essential after steering rack replacement)
• Total Estimated Cost: £400 - £1200+

Important Note: These are estimates. Always get a detailed quote from your mechanic. The cost of labour varies greatly between garages and regions.

The Importance of Correct Tools: A Case Study

The point about using the correct size spanner on the shaft is paramount. Steering components often have precisely machined flats to allow a spanner to grip them securely. If you try to undo a nut or bolt without proper leverage or by using inappropriate tools like mole grips (also known as locking pliers), you risk:

• Rounding off the flats: Making it impossible to get a spanner on the shaft, requiring potentially more invasive and costly removal methods.
• Damaging the splines: Especially on inner tie rods or steering columns, damaging the splines means the new part won't seat correctly, leading to premature wear and failure, just as the user warned. This negates the entire repair and wastes both time and money.
• Cracking components: Applying uneven pressure can crack housings or shafts.

As stated, seeing vehicles where mole grips have been used is a clear indicator of a lack of expertise or care, leading to unnecessary damage and further expenses for the owner. It’s a stark reminder that when it comes to steering, precision and the right tools are non-negotiable.

Table: Steering Component Issues and Estimated Costs

When to Seek Professional Help

If your vehicle has a steering advisory, it's wise to address it sooner rather than later. Look out for these signs:

• Loose or sloppy steering: The steering wheel doesn't feel directly connected to the road.
• Knocking or clunking noises: Especially when turning the wheel or going over bumps.
• Vibration through the steering wheel: This can indicate unbalanced wheels or worn steering components.
• Uneven tyre wear: Especially on the edges or a feathered pattern.
• The car pulling to one side: Even when the road is level.
• Difficulty turning the steering wheel: Or a noticeable stiffness.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's best to book your car in for a thorough inspection by a qualified mechanic. They have the expertise and the correct tools to diagnose the problem accurately and perform the necessary repairs safely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I pass my MOT with a steering advisory?

Yes, usually. An advisory means the issue is not severe enough to fail the MOT immediately, but it must be addressed to prevent future failures or safety issues.

Q2: How long can I leave a steering advisory?

It's recommended to fix advisories as soon as possible. The timeframe depends on the severity of the wear. A minor advisory might be left for a few months, but significant wear in components like ball joints or track rod ends should be addressed immediately for safety reasons.

Q3: Does a steering advisory affect my insurance?

Generally, no. An advisory is a recommendation for maintenance, not a defect that makes the car unroadworthy. However, if an accident occurs due to a neglected steering issue, your insurance claim could be affected.

Q4: Is wheel alignment always needed after steering repairs?

Almost always. Replacing components like track rod ends or steering racks changes the geometry of the steering system, so a professional wheel alignment is crucial to ensure correct tracking, prevent tyre wear, and maintain safe handling.

Q5: What are the risks of ignoring steering advisories?

Ignoring steering advisories can lead to a sudden failure of steering components, loss of control, increased tyre wear, and potentially more extensive and costly damage to other parts of the suspension and steering system. It also poses a significant safety risk to yourself and others on the road.

Conclusion

A steering advisory on your MOT is a heads-up, not necessarily a catastrophe. While the costs can range from minor to substantial, understanding the potential issues and their causes empowers you to make informed decisions about your vehicle's maintenance. Prioritising these repairs ensures your car remains safe, reliable, and continues to perform optimally. Remember the crucial advice: always use the correct tools, especially when dealing with critical steering components, to avoid further damage and unnecessary expense. Regular checks and prompt attention to any advisories are key to maintaining a healthy steering system and a safe driving experience.