Steering Control

Information 

Preparation 

Before carrying out this inspection, make sure that any mechanism for adjusting the steering column is fully locked.  Exert reasonable pressure only on the steering wheel, particularly when the steering is collapsible. 

The inspection of the steering lock only applies to passenger cars with: 

• a steering lock fitted as standard by the manufacturer, and 

• four or more wheels, and 

• not more than 8 passenger seats excluding the driver’s seat, and 

• first used on or after 1 September 2001 

The check does not apply to quadricycles. 

If there is doubt as to whether a steering lock was originally fitted, the benefit of the doubt should be given. 

It is acceptable for a steering lock to be removed if it has been replaced with another immobilisation device. 

Some electronic steering locks, generally on vehicles with keyless ignition systems, will only activate when the driver’s door is opened/closed. 

Access To Some Components 

Full inspection of some components may require under-bonnet or underside inspection. 

Method Of Inspection 

1. Check the strength and condition (including any modifications) of the steering wheel by applying reasonable force. 

2. Push the steering wheel rim in various directions at right angles to the column, while applying light pressure downward and upward.  Check for: 

• Insecurity of adjustable steering column, 

• Movement between column shaft and steering wheel 

• Excessive play in top column bearing, 

• Insecurity at column top mounting bracket. 

3. Pull and push the steering wheel in line with column.  Check for any movement at the centre of the steering wheel. 

Note:  Certain types of steering column (e.g. those fitted with universal joints of flexible couplings) may show some movement which is not due to excessive wear or deterioration.

4.  a) With the engine running, turn the steering wheel clockwise and anticlockwise and check that any steering lock mechanism does not engage

b) remove the ignition key (if appropriate) and turn the steering wheel in either direction and check that the steering lock mechanism engages. 

c) on vehicles with an electronic steering lock, check that a system malfunction warning is not displayed. 

d) Check that the vehicle cannot be driven with the steering lock engaged 

5. Turn the steering wheel clockwise and anti-clockwise, checking steering column couplings and clamp bolts for security. 

6. Check the presence and security of retaining and locking devices. 

Note:  The inspection is not concerned with the type of locking device, only its presence and security. 

7. With the road wheels on the ground pointing straight ahead, lightly turn the steering wheel left and right as far as possible without turning the road wheels. 

Check the amount of free play at the circumference of the steering wheel. 

Note:  Play due to wear or maladjustment must not be confused with apparent play due to the construction of the mechanism, such as caused by the deflection of flexible joints or spring compression in external power steering systems. 

Note:  The steering wheel free play limit is a general rule for standard diameter steering wheels, (380 mm).  Lower or higher limits should be set with larger or smaller diameter steering wheels. 

Note:  When there are several joints between the steering wheel and the rack, movement up to 48 mm on a 380 mm diameter wheel may be acceptable. 

Handlebar Type Steering 

In addition to the above 

1. Examine the handlebars and fork yokes. 

2. Examine steering damper. 

3. Examine the steering head bearing. 

Reason for Rejection

	Reason for Rejection	Deficiency Category
1	Steering wheel weakened by modification, cracks or fractures, in a condition that hampers proper control or likely to injure the driver’s hands.	MAJOR

Note: Cracks or incompleteness of the covering skin of a steering wheel or hub, are not a reason for rejection.

		Reason for Rejection	Deficiency Category
2	a	An adjustable steering column will not lock in a fixed position.	MAJOR
	b	Movement between the shaft and steering wheel.	MAJOR
	c	Excessive radial movement (play) at the top of the steering column between the column and the shaft indicating a badly worn top bearing. Note: Some vehicles have flexible top bearings for the steering column. With these more than average movement is acceptable	MAJOR
	d	insecurity at the steering column top mounting bracket.	MAJOR

		Reason for Rejection	Deficiency Category
3		Excessive steering shaft end float.	MAJOR
4	a	A steering lock mechanism inadvertently engaging	DANGEROUS
	b	a steering lock mechanism missing or fails to engage.	MAJOR
	c	an electronic steering lock system malfunction warning displayed.	MAJOR
	d	A steering lock which can be activated while the engine is running or the vehicle is driven	DANGEROUS
5		Insecurity, excessive play or deterioration of a flexible coupling or universal joint.	MAJOR
6		A retaining or locking device missing or insecure.	MAJOR
7		A point on the rim of the steering wheel moves, without the road wheels moving, for more than:	MAJOR
	a	75 mm for non-rack and pinion.	MAJOR
	b	13 mm for rack and pinion steering	MAJOR

Note: where there are several joints between the steering wheel and the rack, movement up to 48mm on a 380mm diameter wheel may be accepted.

Handlebar Type Steering

		Reason for Rejection	Deficiency Category
1		A handlebar or fork yoke:	MAJOR
	a	Excessively deformed	MAJOR
	b	Fractured	MAJOR
	c	Cracked	MAJOR
	d	Excessively corroded	MAJOR
	e	Clamps not tight, or any bolt loose or missing	MAJOR
	f	Inappropriately repaired or modified.	MAJOR
	g	Handgrips missing or not secure to handlebars	MAJOR
	h	Handlebar flexible mounting excessively deteriorated	MAJOR
2		A steering damper:	MAJOR
	a	insecure	MAJOR
	b	ineffective	MAJOR
	c	impairing the steering action	DANGEROUS
3		Excessive free play in steering head bearing.	MAJOR