Welcome back to the Fastlane MOT Bible! If you’ve been following along, you’ll know we’re on a mission to demystify the MOT test, one component at a time. We’ve covered brakes, lights, and tyres, but today we’re getting to the heart of how you actually control your pride and joy.
In Episode 6, we’re diving deep into steering and power steering. It’s one of the most critical safety areas of the MOT because, let’s face it, if you can't point the car where you want it to go, you’re in a bit of a spot. From the steering rack to those tiny rubber bushes that keep everything quiet, our team at Fastlane Autocare sees it all.
Whether you’re driving a compact hatchback or a heavy-duty commercial van, the rules for the steering check are largely the same. Let’s break down what the tester is looking for and how you can spot trouble before you pull into the bay.
The Steering Rack: The Backbone of Your Control
The steering rack is the component that converts the rotational motion of your steering wheel into the linear motion that turns your wheels. During an MOT, the tester is going to get your vehicle up on the lift to give this part a very thorough look.
What are they looking for? Firstly, security. The rack needs to be bolted firmly to the vehicle’s chassis. If there’s any movement in the mounting points, that’s an immediate fail. They also look for physical damage, cracks in the metal or signs that the rack has taken a hit from a speed bump or a rogue pothole.
Another big one is "play." If the tester turns the steering wheel and the road wheels don’t respond immediately, or if there’s a mechanical "clunk" within the rack itself, it’s bad news. Excess wear in the internal gears of the rack can make the car feel vague and dangerous at high speeds.
If you’re worried about how your car is handling, our expert vehicle mechanics can give your steering system a health check long before your MOT date rolls around. You can also book in for an MOT, and if you’re running a business vehicle, our fleet maintenance team can help keep downtime to a minimum.
Power Steering: Hydraulic vs. Electric
Most modern cars now come with some form of power-assisted steering (PAS). It makes parking a breeze, but it also adds more complexity to the MOT. The tester’s job is to ensure the assistance is actually working and that the system is safe.
Hydraulic Systems
If your car uses a hydraulic pump, the tester will check the fluid levels and look for leaks. A leaking power steering pipe isn't just a mess on your driveway; if fluid leaks onto hot engine components, it’s a fire hazard. They’ll also check the condition of the drive belt that powers the pump. If that belt snaps, you’ll suddenly find the steering becomes incredibly heavy, usually at the worst possible moment.
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Many newer vehicles use electric motors to provide assistance. For these, the tester is looking at the dashboard. If your power steering warning light is illuminated, it’s an automatic fail. The system also needs to be tested for "consistency", the steering should feel the same when turning left as it does when turning right.
If you’ve seen a strange light pop up on your dash recently, check out our guide on dashboard warning symbols to see what your car is trying to tell you. If the steering fault is on an EV or hybrid, our EV and hybrid service setup can properly diagnose the electronic side of things too.
Steering Gaiters and Boots
You’ll often hear us talk about "gaiters" or "boots." These are the flexible rubber covers that sit over the ends of the steering rack and the CV joints. Their job is simple but vital: keep the grease in and keep the grit out.
During the MOT, the tester will squeeze and rotate these rubber boots. If they are split, pinned, or even just insecurely fastened, the car will fail. Once a boot splits, road salt and dirt get into the precision joints, grinding them down in no time. Replacing a rubber boot is cheap; replacing a whole steering rack because the joints have been ruined is definitely not.
Suspension Bushes: The Silent Partners
While we often think of steering and suspension as two different systems, they are completely intertwined. Suspension bushes are the rubber or polyurethane "sandwiches" that sit between metal parts. They allow for movement and dampen vibrations from the road.
In the context of steering, the bushes on the control arms and the steering rack mounts are vital. If these bushes perish or soften too much, the steering geometry changes. You might notice your car "darting" to one side when you hit a bump, or the steering wheel might not sit straight when you’re driving on a flat road.
Testers use a "pinch bar" to check for excess movement in these bushes. A little bit of flex is normal, that’s what rubber does, but "excessive play" means the bush has reached the end of its life.
Speaking of things that keep your car running smoothly, don't forget that Fastlane Autocare performs wet belt replacements for all vehicle makes and models.
It's a specialised job that many garages shy away from, but we handle them daily to keep your engine in top shape. If you need something done at home or work, ask about mobile fitting options too (handy when you’re juggling a busy week).
Common Signs of Steering Trouble
You don't have to be a qualified tester to know when something is wrong. Here are a few things to watch (and listen) for:
-
The "Whine": If your car makes a high-pitched whining noise when you turn the wheel while stationary, your power steering fluid might be low, or the pump could be failing.
-
The "Clunk": A knocking sound when going over bumps or turning usually points to worn bushes or a ball joint that’s seen better days.
-
The "Pull": If you have to constantly "correct" the car to keep it in a straight line, your alignment or steering components are likely out of whack.
-
The "Vibration": If the steering wheel shakes at certain speeds, it could be wheel balancing, but it can also be caused by worn steering linkages. If you want a quick refresher on the checks around play, knocking, and steering-related vibration symptoms, jump back to The Fastlane MOT Bible - Episode 5.
If you notice a vibration that feels more like it's coming from the wheels themselves rather than the steering column, it could be a sign of failing wheel bearings, which is another key area we check during the MOT.
Why Fastlane Autocare is Different
At Fastlane Autocare, we aren't just here to fail your car and hand you a bill. We’re here to keep you on the road safely.
When we perform an MOT, we look at the vehicle as a whole. Our technicians are enthusiasts who understand that your car isn't just a machine, it’s how you get to work, how you drop the kids at school, and how you enjoy your weekend.
Our facility is equipped with the latest diagnostic tech to ensure that even the most complex electric power steering systems are checked correctly. We pride ourselves on transparency; if something fails, we’ll show you exactly why and explain the best way to fix it.
Beyond just MOTs and steering, we offer a massive range of services, from routine maintenance to complex engine work. If the steering issue is linked to braking pull or stability problems, we can also check your brakes at the same time. And if you’re after comfort (and clear screens), we handle vehicle air conditioning servicing to keep you cool while you’re out on those Merseyside roads.
Preparation is Key
Before you bring your car in for its Episode 6 check (The Steering Check!), there are a few things you can do yourself:
-
Check the fluid: If you have a hydraulic system, make sure the reservoir is topped up to the 'Max' line.
-
Listen: Turn the steering from lock to lock while the car is stationary. Any groaning or clicking?
-
Look: Check your driveway for any oily spots that might indicate a power steering leak.
-
Feel: Does the steering feel "notched" or heavier than usual?
If the answer to any of these is "yes," it's worth getting it looked at sooner rather than later. Steering issues rarely get better on their own: they only get more expensive.
Final Thoughts
Steering and power steering checks are about more than just passing a test; they are about maintaining the bond between driver and machine. A car that steers perfectly is a car that is a joy to drive and, more importantly, a car that reacts exactly how you need it to in an emergency.
Stay tuned for Episode 7 of the Fastlane MOT Bible, where we’ll be looking at another crucial safety component. In the meantime, if your MOT is due or you're worried about a strange noise from your steering rack, give us a shout or pop in to see us.
Fastlane Autocare
Address: 232-254 Boundary Rd, WA10 2PZ
Phone: 01744 808586
We’re here to help you stay safe, stay legal, and stay on the road. Whether it’s a quick steering adjustment, a full rack replacement, or that essential wet belt change, Fastlane Autocare has got you covered!
Continue the series
<< Return to news
