MOT cost .

MOT failure · RFR #40645

Steering head bearings excessively stiff, notchy, or with excessive wear or play

Total

1,272

Models

81

Models most at risk.

Ranked by rate, not raw volume. A Fiesta shows every failure a lot because there are a lot of Fiestas. Rate = share of that model's own MOTs.

  1. 01 Royal Alloy GT 125i 3.03%
  2. 02 Honda Cbf 125 M A 2.15%
  3. 03 Lexmoto Zsx 1.96%
  4. 04 Peugeot Speedfight 1.89%
  5. 05 Yamaha Yq50 1.87%
  6. 06 Honda Cbf 125 M B 1.75%
  7. 07 Lexmoto Fmr 1.70%
  8. 08 Peugeot Kisbee 1.68%
  9. 09 Lexmoto Lxr 125 SY 125 10 1.65%
  10. 10 Peugeot Django 1.26%
  11. 11 Honda WW 1.23%
  12. 12 Yamaha Gpd125 A Nmax 125 Abs 1.20%
  13. 13 Suzuki Gz125 1.19%
  14. 14 Yamaha Virago 1.13%
  15. 15 Scomadi Turismo 1.10%
  16. 16 Yamaha Nxc125 1.07%
  17. 17 Yamaha Delight 125 (lts 125 C) 1.03%
  18. 18 Yamaha Ybr 125 1.02%
  19. 19 Yamaha Ybr125 0.98%
  20. 20 Yamaha XC 125 E Vity 0.93%
  21. 21 Honda SH 125 AD K 0.93%
  22. 22 Honda Cbr600rr 0.89%
  23. 23 Piaggio Fly 0.89%
  24. 24 Honda Nss 0.87%
  25. 25 Yamaha Yp250 0.87%
  26. 26 Suzuki UK 110 NM L8 0.85%
  27. 27 Yamaha Ybr 0.84%
  28. 28 Honda Cbf 0.82%
  29. 29 Honda Nsc 0.81%
  30. 30 Yamaha Xv535 0.81%

Top 30 by rate. 51 more models also logged this defect.

Typical UK garage cost

£90–£190

for steering ball joint replacement. Range covers regional rate spread + part-quality variance. This one needs a lift and a torque wrench — book a garage rather than self-fitting. Open the estimator →

Frequently asked.

Why does steering head bearings excessively stiff, notchy,… fail an MOT?
Steering head bearings excessively stiff, notchy, or with excessive wear or play. Most commonly flagged on the Royal Alloy GT 125i. The DVSA's MOT standards require this item to meet minimum safety thresholds — when it falls short, the tester logs it as a Major or Dangerous defect and the car fails outright.
How much does it cost to fix steering head bearings excessively stiff, notchy,…?
Typical UK garage cost for steering ball joint replacement is £90–£190. The range reflects regional labour rate differences and part-quality choices. Main dealer rates are usually 30–50% higher.
Can I fix steering head bearings excessively stiff, notchy,… myself?
This repair typically needs workshop equipment — a lift and specialist tools. Most owners book a garage rather than attempt it at home.