quick MOT related question

[Horney]

I reckon that'll be a fail TBH. Steering rack boots contain no grease yet they're a failure so I imagine the column UJ will be as well.

nick

[christomk3gti]

I think it might fail aswell.

Do you know the MOT tester? if so, ring and ask him...

If not. Go buy a gaiter there only about 6quid. and there pretty easy to fit. you got a haynes manual.
I'm pretty sure you get 2 gaiters in a pack......

Christo

[Wayne]

Taken from: http://www.motester.co.uk/CarOwnersGuidetoTheMOT/WhatIsTested/tabid/2598/Default.aspx

Steering
Inside the car checks
Steering wheel and steering column:

steering wheel is in acceptable condition
steering wheel is securely attached to the steering shaft
upper bearings of the steering column are inspected for wear
Steering shaft is checked for excessive end float
The clamping bolts are all checked for security
split pins and locking nuts are also checked.
'free play' in the steering is checked*
All flexible couplings and universal joints are checked.
 
*Free play allowed depends on type of steering: 75mm for non-rack and pinion, 13mm for rack and pinion steering. Where there are several joints between the steering wheel and the rack, up to 48mm on a 380mm diameter wheel may be accepted.

Reasons for failure:
Steering wheel weakened by modification, cracks, fractures, in a condition that hampers proper control or likely to injure the driver’s hands.Note: Cracks or incompleteness of the covering skin of a steering wheel or hub, are not a reason for rejection.
a) an adjustable steering column will not lock in a fixed position
b) movement between the shaft and steering wheel
c) excessive radial movement (play) at the top of the steering column between the column and the shaft indicating a badly worn top bearing.
Note: Some vehicles have flexible top bearings for the steering column. With these more than average movement is acceptable.
d. insecurity at the steering column top mounting bracket.
Excessive steering shaft end float.
Insecurity, excessive play or deterioration of a flexible coupling or universal joint.
A retaining or locking device missing or insecure.
 
Under bonnet checks
This varies vehicle to vehicle; some of these items cannot be observed from under the bonnet on some makes and models.

security of the steering rack or steering box and its mountings
play in steering joints
Inspection of any other swivel joints which form part of the vehicles' steering system which can be readily inspected from under the bonnet.
 
Under vehicle checks:
All the steering joints are inspected by the Tester whilst the steering is loaded by turning the steering wheel from side to side.
Power steering systems are checked with the engine running
The security of attachment of the steering rack or steering box is checked both with respect to the tightness of nuts and bolts, and structural cracking or corrosion of the vehicle chassis where it is attached
Whilst the vehicle stands on special swivel plates the wheels are turned from lock to lock and checked to ensure that the wheels and tyres do not foul either the structure of the vehicle or any brake pipes or hoses
with the wheels jacked the wheel bearings are checked
steering rack gaiters and front outer constant velocity joint boots are examined
metal and/or rubber bushes are checked as are split pins, locking nuts and other locking or retaining devices which relate to steering components.
On some cars there will be rear wheel steering which is checked from beneath the car.

 

[Khare]

that is the rack gaiters though I imagine, the steering column boot is the one I'm interested in.

[Horney]

The thing is Khare the boot is fitted when the car is new and it's purpose is to keep the uj lubricated with contaminate free grease. Without one wit will wear very quickly, this in my view makes it a fail.

The easy answer is to pick up a phone and ring an MOT station and ask them.

nick

[Khare]

called my local station and he said the only steering gaiters that have to be in good condition are the bellows that are at the rack rods, so the UJ boot is not tested 

Just have to sort out CV boots and leaking exhaust