MOT cost .

MOT failure · RFR #40267

Steering head bearings have excessive wear or play

Total

647

Models

58

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 Lexmoto Echo 50 E4 4.72%
  2. 02 Lexmoto Fmr 4.25%
  3. 03 Lexmoto Titan 125 ZN 125 T 8F 4.10%
  4. 04 Direct Bikes Unclassified 3.04%
  5. 05 Sinnis ZS 125 79 Hoodlum 2.57%
  6. 06 Aprilia SR 2.52%
  7. 07 Yamaha Yzf R125 Abs 2.30%
  8. 08 Yamaha MT 125 Abs 2.20%
  9. 09 Aprilia Sr50 1.99%
  10. 10 Lexmoto Zsx 1.96%
  11. 11 Lexmoto Diablo 1.90%
  12. 12 Lexmoto Michigan 1.56%
  13. 13 Yamaha Yzf R125 1.49%
  14. 14 Ktm RC 1.48%
  15. 15 Piaggio Liberty 125 1.44%
  16. 16 Sym Jet 1.44%
  17. 17 Ajs Modena 125 1.42%
  18. 18 Peugeot Speedfight 1.30%
  19. 19 Ajs Modena 1.29%
  20. 20 Piaggio Zip 1.25%
  21. 21 Yamaha Yq50 1.25%
  22. 22 Honda Cbf 125 M 9 1.17%
  23. 23 Honda Cbf 125 M B 1.11%
  24. 24 Ktm 125 1.09%
  25. 25 Honda Cbf 125 M A 1.07%
  26. 26 Yamaha Yzf 1.03%
  27. 27 Vespa (douglas) Unclassified 0.90%
  28. 28 Piaggio Fly 0.89%
  29. 29 Piaggio PX 125 0.86%
  30. 30 Yamaha Gpd125 A Nmax 125 Abs 0.81%

Top 30 by rate. 28 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 have excessive wear… fail an MOT?
Steering head bearings have excessive wear or play. Most commonly flagged on the Lexmoto Echo 50 E4. 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 have excessive wear…?
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 have excessive wear… myself?
This repair typically needs workshop equipment — a lift and specialist tools. Most owners book a garage rather than attempt it at home.