Steering rack gaiter split or damaged
How it can appear on an MOT certificate
- “Steering rack gaiter damaged but preventing the ingress of dirt”
- “Steering rack gaiter split”
- “Steering rack gaiter missing or insecure”
What it is
Rubber gaiters (boots) cover each end of the steering rack, keeping dirt and water out of the joints and the rack itself.
Why it matters
A split gaiter lets in dirt and water, which wears the rack and its joints and can lead to expensive repairs. Damaged but still sealing is an advisory; split or missing is a fail.
What to check when viewing a car
Ask whether a split gaiter was replaced promptly. A gaiter left split for a long time may have let the rack wear, so listen for knocks and check the steering feels precise.
Has the car you're looking at had this before?
Free: every MOT, every defect explained in plain English, mileage, tax and ULEZ.
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.