Steering Play & Your MOT: Why Your Car Pulls

When your car undergoes its annual MOT test, a precise assessment of its steering system is paramount. One common concern that often arises, sometimes leading to an advisory or even a failure, is 'steering play' – that unwelcome looseness or excessive movement in the steering mechanism. This can manifest as your car pulling unexpectedly to one side, or an unsettling vagueness when you turn the wheel. Understanding why this happens, how it's detected, and what it means for your vehicle's safety and roadworthiness is crucial for any car owner in the UK.

Understanding Steering Play: What Is It?

Steering play refers to any excessive free movement within the steering system that doesn't translate directly into a corresponding movement of the road wheels. Imagine turning your steering wheel a small amount, but the wheels don't react immediately; that's steering play. It's not just an annoyance; it's a significant safety concern. A properly functioning steering system should be tight, responsive, and provide direct feedback from the road. When play develops, it compromises control, especially at speed or during emergency manoeuvres.

Why Your Car Might Pull Left or Right During an MOT

A car pulling to one side, or exhibiting unpredictable directional changes, is a classic symptom of steering or suspension issues, often exacerbated or revealed during an MOT test. While steering play is a primary culprit, other factors can contribute:

• Worn Steering Components: The most direct cause. Loose track rod ends, worn axial rods (inner tie rods), or play within the steering rack itself will allow the wheels to move independently of the steering wheel, leading to directional instability.
• Wheel Alignment: Even without physical play, incorrect wheel alignment (tracking) can cause a car to pull. This isn't strictly 'steering play' but often goes hand-in-hand, as worn components can lead to misaligned wheels.
• Uneven Tyre Pressure or Wear: A simple, yet often overlooked cause. Discrepancies in tyre pressure or significantly uneven tyre wear can cause a vehicle to drift.
• Brake Imbalance: During the MOT's roller brake test, if one brake caliper is seizing or one side is braking significantly harder, the car can momentarily pull. While not steering play, it's a related symptom an MOT tester might investigate.
• Suspension Issues: Worn ball joints, control arm bushes, or even damaged shock absorbers can affect how the wheels interact with the road, leading to a pull. These components are intrinsically linked to the steering's stability.

During the MOT, the tester will meticulously check for play by jacking up the vehicle and physically manipulating the wheels and steering components. They'll also observe the car's behaviour during the brake test and general movement within the test bay.

How Do You Know If a Steering Rack Has Play?

Detecting play in the steering rack or its associated components requires a systematic approach. This is something a skilled mechanic will do during an MOT, but you can perform a preliminary check yourself if you have the means and knowledge.

DIY Inspection Steps for Steering Play

1. Secure the Vehicle: Ensure the car is on a level, hard surface. Apply the handbrake firmly and consider chocking the wheels not being lifted.
2. Jack Up the Front End: Safely lift the front of the car using a reliable jack and secure it with axle stands. This is crucial for safety. Ensure the wheels are off the ground.
3. Check for Wheel Bearing Play: With the wheel off the ground, grab the tyre at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions. Try to push and pull it inwards and outwards. Any significant movement here could indicate worn wheel bearings.
4. Check for Ball Joint Play: While still holding at 12 and 6 o'clock, move the wheel back and forth. Then, try 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock. Movement at 12 and 6 often indicates lower ball joint wear, while movement at 3 and 9 could suggest track rod end or steering rack play.
5. Inspect Track Rod Ends: Have a helper sit in the car and gently rock the steering wheel back and forth (just enough to take up any slack, not full turns). Observe the track rod ends where they connect to the wheel hub. Look for any visible looseness or movement in the joint itself. You might hear a clicking sound.
6. Feel for Axial Rod (Inner Tie Rod) Play: This is trickier. Locate the axial rod, which goes from the track rod end into the steering rack boot. With your hand on the axial rod (and potentially feeling through the rubber boot), have your helper rock the steering wheel again. You are feeling for a distinct 'click' or movement where the axial rod connects to the steering rack internally. This indicates play within the steering rack's internal components or the axial rod joint itself. Many YouTube videos can illustrate this specific check.
7. Check Steering Rack Mounts: While under the car, also inspect the steering rack mounting bushes. If these are worn, the entire rack can move, leading to a vague steering feel.
8. Steering Wheel Play: With the engine off, gently rock the steering wheel back and forth. There should be minimal free play before the road wheels start to move. Excessive play here, without corresponding movement at the wheels, could indicate issues further up the steering column or within the rack itself.

Nearside Steering System Free Play Detected at Steering Wheel

An advisory note like "Nearside steering system has free play detected at steering wheel" means that the MOT tester found excessive movement or looseness in the steering system on the nearside of your vehicle (the left-hand side when sitting in the driver's seat in the UK). This play was significant enough to be felt or observed at the steering wheel, indicating a problem somewhere between the steering wheel and the nearside front wheel.

What Causes It?

This advisory points to wear in one or more components on the nearside of the steering linkage. Common culprits include:

• Worn Nearside Track Rod End: This is a very common point of failure. The ball joint inside the track rod end wears out, causing play.
• Worn Nearside Axial Rod (Inner Tie Rod): Less common than the outer track rod end, but wear in this joint where it connects to the steering rack will also cause play.
• Play Within the Steering Rack Itself: If the internal bushings or gears of the steering rack on the nearside are worn, it will result in play.
• Worn Nearside Ball Joint (Suspension): While primarily a suspension component, a worn lower (or upper) ball joint can also contribute to overall play felt through the steering, as it's a pivot point for the wheel.
• Worn Steering Rack Mounts: If the rubber bushes that hold the steering rack to the car's chassis are perished or worn, the entire rack can shift, leading to perceived play.

Rough Estimate of Repair Costs

The cost to fix 'free play' depends entirely on which component(s) are at fault. Here's a general breakdown:

For a Peugeot 206, as mentioned in the user's query, track rod ends and axial rods are generally quite affordable parts, often available for around £20-£30 from reputable motor factors like Euro Car Parts. Fitting them yourself can save a significant amount on labour, but requires the right tools and knowledge, especially for the axial rod. If you're not confident, professional installation is always recommended. Remember that after replacing any steering or suspension component, a wheel alignment (tracking) is absolutely essential to ensure the car drives straight and to prevent premature tyre wear.

Is It Likely to 'Go' Before the Next MOT?

An advisory note means the component is showing signs of wear, but isn't yet at the point of failure or deemed dangerous enough for an immediate MOT failure. However, 'free play' indicates progressive wear. It's highly likely that the wear will worsen over the next year, potentially leading to a failure at your next MOT. More importantly, it can compromise your vehicle's handling and safety long before that. It's always advisable to address MOT advisories as soon as possible, as they are early warnings of potential problems. Delaying the repair could lead to:

• Increased wear on other interconnected components.
• More significant handling issues, making the car less safe to drive.
• A definite MOT failure next time, potentially costing more if the issue has escalated.

The Importance of Addressing Steering Issues Promptly

Ignoring steering play is never a good idea. The steering system is one of the most critical safety systems in your vehicle. Any compromise here directly impacts your ability to control the car, especially in an emergency. Beyond safety, worn steering components can lead to:

• Excessive Tyre Wear: Misalignment caused by worn components will lead to uneven and rapid tyre wear, costing you more in the long run.
• Reduced Fuel Efficiency: A car that's constantly fighting against itself to go straight will consume more fuel.
• Increased Stress on Other Components: Worn parts can put undue stress on adjacent components, accelerating their wear and leading to a cascade of expensive repairs.
• MOT Failure: As discussed, what starts as an advisory will almost certainly become a failure if left unaddressed.

Preventative Measures for a Healthy Steering System

While some wear is inevitable, you can take steps to prolong the life of your steering components:

• Avoid Potholes and Kerbs: Sudden impacts are a major cause of damage and accelerated wear to steering and suspension parts.
• Regular Tyre Pressure Checks: Maintaining correct tyre pressure ensures even tyre wear and optimal handling, reducing stress on steering components.
• Routine Servicing: A good mechanic will often spot early signs of wear during routine checks.
• Listen and Feel: Pay attention to your car. Any new noises (clunks, clicks) or changes in steering feel (vagueness, pulling) should be investigated.

Frequently Asked Questions About Steering Play

Is steering play dangerous?

Yes, absolutely. Excessive steering play significantly reduces your control over the vehicle, making it dangerous, especially at higher speeds, when braking, or during sudden manoeuvres. It can lead to unpredictable handling and increase your stopping distance.

Can I drive with steering play?

While an MOT advisory doesn't immediately deem your car unroadworthy, it's a strong recommendation to get the issue fixed. Driving with significant steering play is not advisable due to the safety risks involved. If it's an MOT failure, you can only drive it to a pre-booked repair appointment and MOT retest.

How long does it take to fix steering play?

The repair time depends on the component that needs replacing. Replacing a track rod end or axial rod typically takes 30 minutes to 1.5 hours per side. A full steering rack replacement can take 2-4 hours. This doesn't include diagnosis time or the mandatory wheel alignment afterwards.

Will steering play fail my MOT?

Yes, if the play is excessive and exceeds the limits set by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), it will result in an MOT failure. An advisory means it's noticeable but not yet at the failure threshold, but it's a clear warning it will likely fail in the future.

What's the difference between a track rod end and an axial rod?

The track rod end (also known as the outer tie rod end) is the visible joint that connects the steering rack's track rod to the steering knuckle on the wheel hub. The axial rod (also known as the inner tie rod) is inside the steering rack boot and connects the track rod to the steering rack's internal mechanism. Both are crucial for directing the wheel, and wear in either can cause steering play.

Do I need a wheel alignment after fixing steering play?

Yes, absolutely. Whenever a steering or suspension component that affects the wheel's angle (like a track rod end or axial rod) is replaced, the wheel alignment (tracking) will be disturbed. A proper alignment is essential to ensure the wheels are pointing straight, prevent uneven tyre wear, and ensure the car handles correctly.

In conclusion, steering play is a serious issue that demands attention. Whether it's causing your car to pull during an MOT or simply showing up as an advisory, addressing it promptly will ensure your safety on the road and keep your vehicle in optimal condition for years to come.

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