Steering has excessive free play
How it can appear on an MOT certificate
- “Steering has excessive free play”
- “Steering mechanism has slight play”
What it is
Free play is how far the steering wheel turns before the wheels start to respond. A little is normal; too much means wear somewhere in the steering.
Why it matters
Excessive play makes the car vague and harder to control precisely, especially at speed.
What to check when viewing a car
With the car still and the engine running, gently turn the wheel side to side and feel for slack before the wheels respond. On a test drive, check the car tracks straight without constant correction.
Has the car you're looking at had this before?
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What the MOT categories mean
- Dangerous
- A direct and immediate risk to road safety, or a serious impact on the environment. The car fails and shouldn't be driven until it's repaired.
- Major
- It may affect the car's safety, put other road users at risk or harm the environment. The car fails and should be repaired straight away.
- Minor
- No significant effect on safety or the environment. The car passes, but it should be repaired as soon as possible.
- Advisory
- Something to keep an eye on that could need repairing in future. The car passes.
Related: suspension and steering
- Coil spring fractured or broken
- Shock absorber leaking or worn
- Suspension arm ball joint worn
- Suspension arm pin or bush worn
- Anti-roll bar linkage (drop link) worn
- Anti-roll bar bush or mounting worn
Buying a used car?
General information about this type of MOT defect, not advice about a particular car. How serious it is depends on the car; have any car you're buying inspected by a qualified mechanic.