MOT failure · RFR #30621
Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated
Total
231,098
Models
213
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.
- 01 Mitsubishi I 13.20%
- 02 Honda FR V 10.48%
- 03 Isuzu Trucks Nkr 77 Turbo Electric DI 9.73%
- 04 Vauxhall Adam 9.20%
- 05 Honda Stream 8.69%
- 06 Nissan Almera 8.59%
- 07 Mitsubishi Space Star 8.45%
- 08 Honda CR Z 8.18%
- 09 Honda CR V 7.71%
- 10 Smart Forfour Passion 7.19%
- 11 Mitsubishi Colt 7.08%
- 12 Honda Elysion 6.87%
- 13 Jaguar S Type 6.22%
- 14 Fiat 500x 5.85%
- 15 Honda Stepwagon 5.79%
- 16 Mazda E Series 5.69%
- 17 Honda Insight 5.68%
- 18 Nissan Serena 5.59%
- 19 Jeep Renegade 5.20%
- 20 Mitsubishi Carisma 5.18%
- 21 Honda Civic 5.14%
- 22 Mazda Premacy 5.04%
- 23 Vauxhall Corsa 4.99%
- 24 Honda Prelude 4.89%
- 25 Talbot Express 1300 P 4.87%
- 26 Mitsubishi Canter 4.83%
- 27 Mazda Unclassified 4.65%
- 28 SEAT Exeo 4.65%
- 29 Volkswagen Beetle 4.60%
- 30 Jeep Compass Limited Crd 4.59%
Top 30 by rate. 183 more models also logged this defect.
Typical UK garage cost
£80–£240
for suspension bush / joint / spring. 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 rack gaiter or ball joint… fail an MOT?
- Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated. Most commonly flagged on the Mitsubishi I. The DVSA's 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 rack gaiter or ball joint…?
- Typical UK garage cost for suspension bush / joint / spring is £80–£240. The range reflects regional labour rate differences and part-quality choices. Main dealer rates are usually 30–50% higher.
- Can I fix steering rack gaiter or ball joint… myself?
- This repair typically needs workshop equipment — a lift and specialist tools. Most owners book a garage rather than attempt it at home.
Real examples from owners.
Owner reports sourced from honestjohn.co.uk that mention keywords from this failure. Matched, not summarised.