MOT cost .

MOT failure · RFR #30589

Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated

Total

1,153

Models

45

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.

  1. 01 Nissan Interstar 5.31%
  2. 02 Renault R5 3.66%
  3. 03 Citroen Xantia 3.19%
  4. 04 Honda Prelude 3.07%
  5. 05 Maserati Coupe 2.75%
  6. 06 Nissan Kubistar 2.72%
  7. 07 Rover Mini 2.64%
  8. 08 Austin Mini Mayfair 2.58%
  9. 09 Mitsubishi Delica 2.57%
  10. 10 Caterham Super 7 2.55%
  11. 11 Austin Mini 1000 City E 2.45%
  12. 12 Honda Crx 2.35%
  13. 13 Volvo 700 Series 2.31%
  14. 14 Porsche 928 S 2.13%
  15. 15 Nissan 300 ZX 2.12%
  16. 16 Morris Minor 1000 1.92%
  17. 17 Nissan Figaro 1.91%
  18. 18 Honda Legend 1.84%
  19. 19 Caterham Seven (s3) 1.63%
  20. 20 Lotus Esprit 1.58%
  21. 21 Triumph Tr6 1.56%
  22. 22 Reliant Scimitar 1.56%
  23. 23 Morris Minor 1.52%
  24. 24 Jaguar Sovereign 1.50%
  25. 25 Mercedes Benz GL 320 1.48%
  26. 26 Triumph Spitfire 1.39%
  27. 27 MG B GT 1.37%
  28. 28 Morgan Plus 8 1.26%
  29. 29 MG B 1.05%
  30. 30 Infiniti FX 1.03%

Top 30 by rate. 15 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 Nissan Interstar. 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.