Introduction
Most drivers remember to check lights and tyres before an MOT. Steering and suspension often get overlooked, yet these systems have a big influence on your car’s safety, stability and stopping distances. If a component is loose, leaking or excessively worn, you risk an immediate failure or at least an advisory that could become a bigger bill later. This guide explains the warning signs you can spot ahead of time, what the tester will focus on, and the quick checks that reduce the chance of an unwanted retest.
Why steering and suspension matter for your MOT
Your MOT includes dedicated sections for steering and for axles, wheels, tyres and suspension. In practice that means the tester will judge whether components are secure, free from excessive play and not leaking or damaged, and whether corrosion or modifications affect safety. Across the UK, suspension and related axle items feature regularly in failure statistics, so spending ten minutes on pre-checks is time well spent.
Steering red flags to check before you book
Pay attention to how the steering feels and sounds, and look for tell-tale marks under the bonnet and on the driveway.
- Excessive play at the wheel
If you turn the steering wheel and the front wheels do not respond immediately, there may be wear in track rod ends, a loose joint or an issue within the rack and pinion assembly. Excessive free play is a classic failure point. - Heavy, jerky or slow return to centre
On a healthy system the wheel recentres naturally after you exit a turn. If it feels heavy or fails to return smoothly, this could indicate power steering problems, binding joints or alignment issues. - Power steering fluid low or visible leaks
Hydraulic power steering systems use fluid that should not drop noticeably between services. A wet rack gaiter, fluid stains on the subframe or spots on the driveway suggest a leak that needs prompt attention. - Pulling to one side
A constant pull can be caused by uneven tyre pressures or alignment, but worn steering or suspension joints can contribute. If the car drifts on a straight, flat road, get it checked. - Knocks or clunks while turning
Metallic noises when manoeuvring at low speed may point to worn ball joints, track rod ends or column joints. Noises that coincide with steering angle changes deserve investigation. - Steering components visibly damaged or corroded
Split rack boots, missing lock stops or corroded arms and fixings are red flags. Any component that is insecure or fouling other parts will not pass.
Suspension red flags you should not ignore
Suspension keeps the tyres in proper contact with the road. When parts wear, handling suffers and braking distances can increase.
- Leaking shock absorbers or struts
Damp, oily bodies on a damper or streaks down the casing indicate internal seal failure. Excessive bounce over bumps is another giveaway. - Snapped or cracked springs
A broken coil can be hard to see at a glance, but a car that sits low at one corner or makes a sharp clunk over bumps needs inspection. Spring ends can fracture where they seat in the cup. - Worn bushes and ball joints
Perished rubber bushes or joints with play can cause vague steering, knocks and uneven tyre wear. If a control arm or anti-roll bar bush is excessively worn or insecure, expect a fail. - Sagging, uneven ride height
A noticeable lean left or right can point to a weakened spring or a seized damper. Check from a distance on level ground. - Noises over speed humps
Repeated knocking when the suspension compresses or extends suggests loose mounts, worn drop links or top mounts on MacPherson struts. - Uneven or accelerated tyre wear
Feathering on the tread edges or inner-edge baldness can signal misalignment or worn components. Tyres may still be legal yet indicate suspension trouble underneath.
What the MOT tester will look for
The tester will inspect steering gear, security of mountings, operation lock to lock, condition of gaiters and joints, and any fouling or interference. For suspension the checks cover springs, shock absorbers, arms, ball joints, anti-roll bars, bush condition, security and leaks, as well as structural corrosion around mounting points. Unsafe repairs, such as inappropriate welding to highly stressed areas, can be a reason for failure. Some items may be recorded as advisories if wear is present but not yet at a failing threshold. Treat advisories as early warnings and act before they escalate.
Simple at-home checks
You do not need a ramp to catch many issues early. These quick steps take minutes.
- Park on level ground and look at the stance
Step back and check whether the car sits level. A droop at one corner suggests a spring or damper issue. - Bounce test with care
Press firmly on each corner and release. One firm settle is normal. More than one rebound hints at weak dampers. Use this only as a guide. - Listen and feel on a short drive
On a quiet, smooth road, drive at low speed and steer gently left and right. Note any knocks, graunching or stiffness. Over a small bump at slow speed, listen for rattles from the front or rear. - Visual glance through the wheel arches
With the wheels straight, look up into the arch. Check springs for cracks, dampers for oiliness and bushes for obvious tears. A torch helps. - Tyre check
Confirm pressures match the handbook and scan for uneven wear. Under-inflation can mimic pull and noise, so correct this first. - Power steering fluid and driveway check
If your car has a hydraulic system, confirm the level is within marks and look for fresh drips under the front after parking.
If anything seems off, book a professional inspection before your test date.
When to book your garage
Do not wait until the day before the MOT if you notice steering play, fluid leaks or suspension knocks. Early booking gives time to source parts and align the wheels after repairs. Many garages offer pre-MOT health checks focused on safety-critical systems. If you carry passengers regularly or do motorway mileage, it is sensible to schedule this a week or two ahead so that any remedial work is completed and bedded in before the test.
One-page pre-MOT checklist
Use this simple list to prepare. If you tick “No” for any item, arrange a professional check.
- Steering responds promptly to small inputs
- No unusual heaviness, stiffness or grinding
- Wheel recentres naturally after a turn
- No knocks when turning at parking speeds
- Power steering fluid at correct level and no visible leaks
- Car sits level on flat ground
- No repeated bounce after pushing a corner
- No knocking over bumps
- Springs look intact and seated correctly
- Dampers look dry rather than oily
- Bushes and mounts appear secure without obvious tears
- Tyres inflated correctly and wearing evenly
Final thoughts
Steering and suspension problems often start small and grow gradually, so it is easy to miss them until the MOT flags a major defect. A few simple checks at home will catch many issues early. If you notice play, leaks, noises or uneven ride height, get your car assessed before test day. You will reduce the risk of failure, improve safety and avoid the stress of an unexpected retest.