mechanics.tradeSuspension ball joint covers
Suspension ball joint covers came up 1,072,435 times at the MOT during 2025, the 10th most recorded defect on the list.
1,072,435recorded in 2025
3.5%of all recorded defects
10thon the national list
What it is
Each suspension ball joint is protected by a small rubber cover full of grease. A cover that has perished but still seals is minor; one that has opened up and lets dirt in becomes a major fault.
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 severely deteriorated | Minor | 652,125 |
| A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | Major | 343,005 |
What you can do about it
Caught at the perished stage this is a cheap rubber part. Left until grit has worked into the joint, it usually means replacing the joint or the whole arm, which costs several times as much.
Nearby on the list
Every defect on the list, from 42,728,066 MOT tests in 2025.