mechanics.tradeSteering linkage joint covers
Testers wrote steering linkage joint covers down 598,197 times during 2025, 18th on a list of 265 kinds of defect.
598,197recorded in 2025
1.9%of all recorded defects
18thon the national list
What it is
These are the rubber covers over the ball joints in the steering linkage. Like their suspension equivalents they are minor while they still seal, and major once dirt can get past them.
What the tester can write down
What the tester writes depends on how serious it is: major and minor.
| Wording on the certificate | Category | Recorded in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | Major | 312,243 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | Minor | 284,327 |
What you can do about it
Renewing the cover while the joint underneath is still good is a small job. It is worth asking the garage to check the joint at the same time, since the two are usually done together.
Nearby on the list
Every defect on the list, from 42,728,066 MOT tests in 2025.