MOT failure · RFR #40267
Steering head bearings have excessive wear or play
Total
622
Models
31
Models most at risk.
Ranked by rate, not raw volume. A Fiesta shows every failure a lot because there are a lot of Fiestas. Rate = share of that model's own MOTs.
Failure match · your reg
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- 01 Yamaha Yzf R125 1.96%
- 02 Yamaha MT 125 Abs 1.86%
- 03 Yamaha Yzf R125 Abs 1.62%
- 04 Yamaha Yzf 1.28%
- 05 Piaggio Zip 1.14%
- 06 Peugeot Speedfight 0.99%
- 07 Ktm 125 0.96%
- 08 Yamaha Ybr 125 0.93%
- 09 Honda Nsc 110 Mpd K 0.88%
- 10 Peugeot Kisbee 0.85%
- 11 Honda Cbf 125 M B 0.81%
- 12 Yamaha Ybr125 0.78%
- 13 Yamaha Gpd125 A Nmax 125 Abs 0.75%
- 14 Gilera Runner 0.75%
- 15 Yamaha Gpd 0.55%
- 16 Piaggio Liberty 125 0.50%
- 17 Yamaha Dt125 0.49%
- 18 Piaggio PX 200 E 0.48%
- 19 Yamaha Fz6 0.45%
- 20 Honda Nt650v 0.45%
- 21 Honda SH 0.41%
- 22 Honda Nss 0.27%
- 23 Yamaha MT 0.26%
- 24 Yamaha Unclassified 0.26%
- 25 Ducati Diavel 0.18%
- 26 Pulse BT 0.14%
- 27 Yamaha Fjr 0.14%
- 28 Triumph Rocket Iii 0.14%
- 29 Peugeot V Clic 0.12%
- 30 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT 0.08%
Top 30 by rate. 1 more models also logged this defect.
Typical UK garage cost
£90–£190
for steering ball joint replacement. Range covers regional rate spread + part-quality variance. This one needs a lift and a torque wrench — book a garage rather than self-fitting. Open the estimator →
Frequently asked.
- Why does steering head bearings have excessive wear… fail an MOT?
- Steering head bearings have excessive wear or play. Most commonly flagged on the Yamaha Yzf R125. UK MOT standards require this item to meet minimum safety thresholds — when it falls short, the tester logs it as a Major or Dangerous defect and the car fails outright.
- How much does it cost to fix steering head bearings have excessive wear…?
- Typical UK garage cost for steering ball joint replacement is £90–£190. The range reflects regional labour rate differences and part-quality choices. Main dealer rates are usually 30–50% higher.
- Can I fix steering head bearings have excessive wear… myself?
- This repair typically needs workshop equipment — a lift and specialist tools. Most owners book a garage rather than attempt it at home.
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