mechanics.tradeTrack rod ends
Track rod ends came up 1,091,631 times at the MOT during 2025, the 9th most recorded defect on the list.
What it is
These small ball joints sit at each end of the steering linkage and pass your movement of the wheel out to the road wheels. The tester rocks the wheel to feel for play, and checks the rubber cover that keeps dirt out.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated | Minor | 449,519 |
| A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play | Major | 410,574 |
| Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | Major | 164,182 |
What you can do about it
A worn one affects steering accuracy and wears tyres unevenly, so it is worth doing promptly. The part itself is modest; the tracking should be reset afterwards, which adds a little.
Advisories
Testers also noted this 510,463 times in 2025 as an advisory, without failing the car for it. That is worth acting on before the next test comes round.
Nearby on the list
Every defect on the list, from 42,728,066 MOT tests in 2025.