A track rod end play MOT advisory means the tester has detected a small amount of wear or movement in one of the vehicle's steering joints, but it has not reached the threshold for an MOT failure.
It is a warning worth taking seriously.
Track rod ends connect the steering system to the front wheels. As the joint wears, steering accuracy can deteriorate, wheel alignment can change and tyres may begin wearing unevenly.
If the wear becomes excessive, the vehicle can fail its MOT. In severe cases where a steering joint is likely to become detached, the defect can be considerably more serious.
This guide explains what track rod end play means, whether you can continue driving, the symptoms of a worn track rod end, MOT failure risk and typical UK replacement costs.
In this guide
- What track rod end play means
- What a track rod end does
- Slight play vs excessive play
- Whether track rod end play will fail an MOT
- Whether it's safe to drive
- Symptoms of a worn track rod end
- Common causes
- How garages check track rod ends
- Typical UK replacement costs
- Why wheel alignment matters
- Whether both sides need replacing
- Used-car buying advice
- Frequently asked questions
What does a track rod end play advisory mean?
A track rod end play advisory normally means an MOT tester has detected movement in a steering linkage joint, but the movement was not excessive enough to fail the vehicle at that inspection.
MOT histories can contain wording such as:
- Track rod end has slight play
- Nearside Front Track Rod End has slight play
- Offside Front Track Rod End has slight play
- Steering linkage joint has slight play
- Outer track rod end worn but not resulting in excessive movement
- Steering ball joint has slight play
The exact wording varies according to the component and condition found.
The important distinction is between slight play and excessive wear or movement.
Slight wear may be recorded as an advisory.
Excessive wear in a steering linkage joint can result in an MOT failure.
If you're investigating an advisory on a vehicle you're considering buying, use our Free MOT History Checker to see whether the warning has appeared on previous tests.
What is a track rod end?
A track rod end is part of the steering linkage.
It connects the steering rack and track rod assembly to the steering knuckle or hub assembly at the wheel.
The joint needs to move in several directions because the wheel must be able to:
- Turn when you steer
- Move as the suspension rises and falls
- Maintain accurate steering geometry
- Respond smoothly to steering inputs
Inside the track rod end is a ball-and-socket type joint that allows this movement.
Over time, the joint can wear and develop increasing amounts of play.
Why are track rod ends important?
Track rod ends help transfer your steering input to the wheels.
Healthy track rod ends contribute to:
- Accurate steering
- Stable handling
- Correct wheel alignment
- Predictable vehicle response
- Even tyre wear
- Smooth steering movement
Wear introduces unwanted movement into the steering linkage.
Initially this may be small enough that the driver notices nothing.
As the wear increases, steering can become less precise and other symptoms may develop.
What is the difference between slight play and excessive play?
This is one of the most important distinctions when interpreting a track rod end MOT warning.
| Condition | What it means |
|---|---|
| No abnormal play | Joint is operating without significant detectable wear |
| Slight play | Some wear is present but movement has not reached the failure threshold |
| Increasing play | Joint is continuing to wear and should be investigated |
| Excessive play | Wear has become serious enough to potentially fail the MOT |
| Joint likely to detach | Severe safety-critical condition |
A vehicle can therefore pass an MOT with a track rod end advisory and later fail if the same joint continues to deteriorate.
There is no reliable mileage or time interval that tells you exactly when slight play will become excessive.
Will track rod end play fail an MOT?
It depends on the severity.
Under the MOT steering-linkage inspection criteria, excessive wear in a steering linkage joint can be recorded as a Major defect.
A steering linkage that is insecure can also result in a Major defect.
At the most severe end of the scale, a steering linkage component that is likely to become detached can be classified as Dangerous.
| Track rod end condition | Possible MOT outcome |
|---|---|
| No significant wear | Pass |
| Slight play | May pass with advisory |
| Excessive wear/play | Major defect |
| Steering linkage insecure | Major defect |
| Joint/component likely to detach | Dangerous defect |
This is why the word "slight" matters when reading an MOT history.
An advisory for slight play does not mean the vehicle has already failed its steering inspection.
It means wear has been detected before it reached the applicable rejection threshold.
For more help interpreting these classifications, read MOT Advisory Codes Explained.
Is a worn track rod end dangerous?
Slight wear does not automatically mean the vehicle is immediately dangerous to drive.
However, track rod ends are steering components, so progressive wear should not be ignored.
As play increases, it can contribute to:
- Loose or vague steering
- Poor steering precision
- Vehicle wandering
- Wheel-alignment problems
- Uneven tyre wear
- Knocking or clunking
- Unstable handling
In an extreme case, severe deterioration of a steering joint can create a risk of separation.
That is fundamentally different from a minor advisory for slight play.
Can you drive with track rod end play?
If the vehicle has passed its MOT with an advisory for slight play and there are no serious steering symptoms, there may be time to arrange inspection and repair rather than treating it as an immediate breakdown.
You should arrange assessment sooner if:
- Steering feels loose or vague
- The vehicle wanders
- Knocking or clunking develops
- Steering vibration increases
- Tyres are wearing unevenly
- The steering response changes
- The advisory has appeared repeatedly
If the steering becomes significantly unstable or the joint has been classified as Dangerous, do not continue normal driving.
Have the vehicle professionally assessed.
Remember that an MOT describes the condition observed at the time of the inspection. It does not guarantee how long a worn component will remain below the failure threshold.
What are the symptoms of a worn track rod end?
Early track rod end wear may produce no obvious symptoms.
As the joint deteriorates, possible signs include:
- Loose steering
- Vague steering response
- Vehicle wandering on straight roads
- Knocking over bumps
- Clunking while turning
- Steering vibration
- Uneven tyre wear
- Poor wheel alignment
- Steering wheel sitting off-centre
- Reduced steering precision
These symptoms do not prove that the track rod end is responsible.
Suspension bushes, ball joints, tyres, wheel alignment and other steering components can produce similar behaviour.
A physical inspection is therefore important.
Why do track rod ends wear out?
Track rod ends are moving joints exposed to repeated steering and suspension movement.
Common contributing factors include:
- High mileage
- Age
- Potholes
- Kerb impacts
- Poor road surfaces
- Damaged dust boots
- Water ingress
- Dirt contamination
- Corrosion
- Heavy vehicle use
One particularly important problem is damage to the protective dust boot around the joint.
The boot helps keep water and contamination away from the internal joint.
If it splits or deteriorates, dirt and moisture can enter and accelerate wear.
Can potholes damage track rod ends?
Yes.
A severe pothole impact can place significant loads through the wheel, steering and suspension.
Depending on the impact, it can contribute to:
- Track rod end damage
- Wheel-alignment changes
- Tyre damage
- Wheel damage
- Suspension-joint wear
- Bush damage
Not every pothole strike will damage a track rod end, but repeated impacts and poor road conditions can contribute to steering-component wear.
If steering behaviour changes after a significant impact, have the vehicle inspected.
Can a worn track rod end cause uneven tyre wear?
Yes, it can contribute.
Track rod ends form part of the steering geometry, and wear can allow unwanted movement that affects wheel alignment.
Poor alignment can cause tyres to wear unevenly or prematurely.
However, uneven tyre wear has several possible causes, including:
- Incorrect wheel alignment
- Incorrect tyre pressures
- Suspension wear
- Ball joint wear
- Damaged bushes
- Shock absorber problems
- Driving conditions
Replacing the worn joint does not restore rubber that has already worn away.
The tyres should be inspected and the wheel alignment checked after the steering repair.
How urgent is a track rod end advisory?
The urgency depends on the amount of wear and whether symptoms are developing.
| Situation | Recommended response |
|---|---|
| Slight play with no symptoms | Arrange inspection and monitor |
| First advisory | Plan repair before wear becomes excessive |
| Same advisory repeatedly recorded | Arrange replacement rather than continuing to defer it |
| Knocking or loose steering develops | Have the steering inspected promptly |
| Significant uneven tyre wear | Inspect steering and alignment |
| Excessive play | Repair promptly |
| Joint likely to detach | Do not continue normal driving |
Repeated advisories are especially useful because they show that the same underlying issue may have persisted across more than one MOT.
For more on interpreting repeated warnings, read How Many MOT Advisories Are Too Many?.
How does a garage check a track rod end?
A garage can check a track rod end by inspecting the steering linkage and testing the joint for unwanted movement.
The inspection may include:
- Checking the track rod end for excessive play
- Inspecting the protective dust boot
- Looking for splits or deterioration
- Checking for corrosion or damage
- Checking whether the joint is secure
- Inspecting the inner track rod
- Checking related steering components
- Inspecting suspension ball joints
- Checking suspension bushes
- Inspecting tyre wear
- Checking wheel alignment where appropriate
The technician may move the wheel or steering linkage while watching and feeling the joint for movement.
The important question is not simply whether some movement exists, but whether the joint has become excessively worn.
How is a worn track rod end repaired?
A worn outer track rod end is normally replaced rather than repaired.
A typical replacement involves:
- Raising and safely supporting the vehicle
- Removing the wheel where necessary
- Identifying the worn track rod end
- Disconnecting the joint from the steering knuckle
- Removing it from the track rod
- Installing the replacement component
- Tightening and securing the joint correctly
- Reassembling the steering components
- Checking steering operation
- Checking and adjusting wheel alignment
Corrosion can make removal more difficult, particularly where the track rod end has seized onto the threaded adjustment section.
How much does track rod end replacement cost in the UK?
Typical UK costs are approximately:
| Repair | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| One track rod end | £90–£180 |
| Pair of track rod ends | £160–£300 |
| Wheel alignment | £40–£100 |
For a straightforward repair involving one track rod end and associated checks, approximately £90–£220 is a useful article-level range.
These figures are estimates rather than quotations.
Actual prices depend on:
- Vehicle make and model
- Parts quality
- Labour rates
- Accessibility
- Corrosion
- Whether adjustment threads are seized
- Whether other steering components require replacement
- The type of wheel alignment required
Always obtain a vehicle-specific quotation before making a repair or purchase decision.
How long does it take to replace a track rod end?
Replacing one outer track rod end commonly takes approximately 45–90 minutes in straightforward circumstances.
Replacing both sides may take around 1–2 hours.
Additional time may be required when:
- Threads are seized
- Corrosion is severe
- Related steering components require replacement
- Wheel alignment requires significant adjustment
The repair itself is often relatively straightforward.
Correct alignment afterwards is particularly important.
Do you need wheel alignment after replacing a track rod end?
Yes, a wheel-alignment check is normally recommended after track rod end replacement.
The track rod forms part of the mechanism used to control the direction in which the front wheels point.
Removing and replacing the track rod end can therefore alter the vehicle's toe alignment.
Incorrect alignment can contribute to:
- Uneven tyre wear
- Vehicle pulling
- Steering wheel being off-centre
- Poor steering response
- Reduced tyre life
A technician may attempt to install the new component close to the previous adjustment position, but that should not be treated as a substitute for checking the alignment properly.
Factor alignment into the likely repair cost when comparing garage quotations.
Does replacing a track rod end fix uneven tyre wear?
It can correct one underlying cause, but it cannot reverse tyre damage that has already occurred.
If a worn steering joint has contributed to incorrect alignment, replacing the joint and correcting the alignment can help prevent further abnormal wear.
Existing tyre wear remains.
The garage should therefore inspect:
- Inner and outer tyre edges
- Tread depth
- Uneven wear patterns
- Tyre condition
- Wheel alignment
A tyre that has already become excessively or dangerously worn may also require replacement.
Should track rod ends be replaced in pairs?
Not automatically.
If only one track rod end is worn, replacing that component may be sufficient.
However, the opposite side should be inspected.
Both sides may have experienced similar:
- Mileage
- Age
- Road conditions
- Pothole impacts
- Steering movement
If both joints show significant wear, replacing both can make sense.
But there is no reason to automatically replace a serviceable track rod end simply because the component on the opposite side requires replacement.
What is the difference between a track rod end and a ball joint?
They can look mechanically similar because both use ball-and-socket style joints, but they perform different jobs.
| Track rod end | Suspension ball joint |
|---|---|
| Part of the steering linkage | Primarily part of the suspension assembly |
| Transfers steering movement to the wheel | Allows suspension and steering movement |
| Connected to the track rod/steering rack system | Commonly connected to a suspension arm or hub |
| Wear can affect steering and toe alignment | Wear can affect suspension stability and wheel control |
| Often followed by wheel alignment after replacement | May require alignment depending on the repair |
Both can produce knocking, steering problems and uneven tyre wear.
That is why a physical inspection is important rather than diagnosing the component from symptoms alone.
Can a worn track rod end cause knocking?
Yes.
Wear inside the joint can allow movement that produces knocking or clunking, particularly:
- Over bumps
- On rough roads
- While steering
- During changes in vehicle load
However, knocking from the front suspension can have many other causes.
These include:
- Suspension arm bushes
- Ball joints
- Anti-roll bar links
- Shock absorber mountings
- Other steering components
Your existing Suspension Arm Bush Deteriorated guide explains another common source of suspension movement and knocking.
Can a worn track rod end cause steering vibration?
It can contribute to looseness or vibration in the steering system, but steering vibration has many possible causes.
Other possibilities include:
- Wheel imbalance
- Tyre damage
- Wheel alignment
- Suspension wear
- Brake problems
- Wheel-bearing problems
If vibration is accompanied by loose steering, knocking and an existing track rod end advisory, the steering linkage deserves particular attention.
For another possible source of wheel-related noise or movement, see our Wheel Bearing Wear guide.
What happens if you ignore track rod end play?
A worn track rod end generally does not repair itself.
Continued use can allow the joint to deteriorate further.
A possible progression is:
Slight play → increasing wear → repeated advisory → excessive play → Major MOT failure
In severe circumstances, a badly deteriorated steering joint can become insecure or present a risk of detachment.
Ignoring the problem can also contribute to:
- Poor steering precision
- Uneven tyre wear
- Wheel-alignment problems
- Unstable handling
- Additional steering-component wear
- MOT failure
There is no reliable timetable for this progression.
A slight advisory could remain relatively stable for a period or deteriorate more quickly depending on mileage, contamination and road conditions.
Is a repeated track rod end advisory a bad sign?
It is evidence that the condition deserves attention.
A single slight-play advisory does not automatically indicate serious neglect.
But if the same warning appears across consecutive MOT tests, it can indicate that the worn component has remained in service without being replaced.
Check whether the history shows progression such as:
Track rod end has slight play
followed later by:
Track rod end excessively worn
Also look for related warnings involving:
- Suspension joints
- Suspension bushes
- Tyres
- Steering components
- Wheel alignment
Repeated steering and suspension advisories together can indicate broader age-related wear.
Use our Free MOT History Checker to examine the complete sequence rather than judging the vehicle from its latest MOT alone.
Should you buy a car with a track rod end advisory?
A track rod end advisory should not automatically stop you buying a used car.
It is a common replaceable steering component.
What matters is the severity of the wear and whether it is part of a larger pattern.
Before buying, check:
- Which side is affected
- Whether the advisory has appeared previously
- Whether the steering feels precise
- Whether the vehicle wanders
- Whether knocking is present
- Whether tyres are wearing unevenly
- Whether other steering or suspension advisories exist
- Whether repair invoices are available
- Whether wheel alignment has recently been performed
One slight-play advisory on an otherwise well-maintained vehicle is considerably less concerning than repeated unresolved steering and suspension defects.
Can you negotiate on a car with a worn track rod end?
Yes, if the repair remains outstanding.
Track rod end replacement is generally a routine repair, but the total cost should include any necessary wheel alignment and related work.
Before negotiating, establish:
- Whether one or both sides require replacement
- Whether the inner track rod is also worn
- Whether wheel alignment is included
- Whether tyres have suffered uneven wear
- Whether other suspension components need attention
Obtain a garage quotation where possible.
That gives you a stronger basis for negotiation than simply deducting an arbitrary amount from the asking price.
For a broader assessment, read Buying a Used Car With MOT Advisories.
Track rod end inspection checklist
If you're assessing a vehicle with a track rod end advisory, check:
- The complete MOT history
- Which side is affected
- Whether the warning has appeared repeatedly
- Steering precision
- Vehicle wandering
- Knocking or clunking
- Steering vibration
- Tyre wear
- Wheel alignment
- Related suspension advisories
- Repair invoices
- Evidence of previous steering work
If you're uncertain about the condition, arrange an independent mechanical inspection before buying.
Quick decision guide
| Situation | Recommended action |
|---|---|
| Slight play with no steering symptoms | Arrange inspection and monitor |
| First track rod end advisory | Plan repair before the wear becomes excessive |
| Same advisory appearing repeatedly | Arrange replacement rather than continuing to defer it |
| Knocking, wandering or loose steering | Have the steering inspected promptly |
| Uneven tyre wear | Check the steering components, tyres and wheel alignment |
| Excessive track rod end play | Repair promptly |
| Steering linkage insecure | Repair before normal use |
| Joint likely to become detached | Do not continue normal driving |
| Buying a car with one slight-play advisory | Check condition and obtain a repair estimate |
| Several steering and suspension advisories | Arrange a broader steering and suspension inspection |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does track rod end play mean?
Track rod end play means unwanted movement has developed inside the steering joint.
A small amount of wear may be recorded as an MOT advisory when it has not reached the failure threshold.
If the joint becomes excessively worn, the vehicle can fail its MOT.
Is a worn track rod end dangerous?
Slight play does not automatically mean the vehicle is immediately dangerous.
However, the track rod end is part of the steering system, so progressive wear should not be ignored.
Severe deterioration can affect steering control and, at the extreme end, a steering linkage component that is likely to become detached can be classified as Dangerous.
Can you drive with a worn track rod end?
A slight-play advisory without significant steering symptoms may allow time to arrange inspection and repair.
Have the vehicle checked sooner if steering becomes loose, the vehicle wanders, knocking develops or tyre wear becomes abnormal.
Do not continue normal driving if the steering is significantly unstable or the joint has been assessed as likely to detach.
Will track rod end play fail an MOT?
Slight play may result in an advisory.
A steering linkage joint that becomes excessively worn can result in a Major defect.
An insecure steering linkage can also be Major, while a component likely to become detached can be classified as Dangerous.
How much does a track rod end cost to replace?
Typical UK costs are approximately £90–£180 for one track rod end or around £160–£300 for a pair.
Wheel alignment can add approximately £40–£100.
Prices vary according to the vehicle, labour rate, component quality, corrosion and whether additional steering work is required.
How long does track rod end replacement take?
A straightforward replacement on one side commonly takes approximately 45–90 minutes.
Replacing both sides may take around 1–2 hours.
Seized adjustment threads, corrosion and additional steering repairs can increase the labour time.
Do I need wheel alignment after replacing a track rod end?
A wheel-alignment check is normally recommended.
The track rod assembly affects the vehicle's toe setting, and changing the track rod end can alter that adjustment.
Correct alignment helps maintain predictable steering and prevent premature tyre wear.
Should track rod ends be replaced in pairs?
Not automatically.
If only one side is worn, replacing that component may be sufficient.
However, the opposite side should be inspected because both components may have experienced similar mileage, age and road conditions.
What are the symptoms of a worn track rod end?
Possible symptoms include:
- Loose or vague steering
- Vehicle wandering
- Knocking or clunking
- Steering vibration
- Uneven tyre wear
- Poor wheel alignment
- Steering wheel sitting off-centre
Early wear may produce no noticeable symptoms.
Can a worn track rod end cause knocking over bumps?
Yes.
Wear in the joint can allow unwanted movement and produce knocking or clunking.
However, suspension bushes, ball joints, anti-roll bar links and other components can produce similar noises, so the source should be diagnosed properly.
Can a track rod end cause the steering wheel to be off-centre?
Track rod end wear or incorrect wheel alignment can contribute to steering geometry problems.
An off-centre steering wheel can have several causes, so it should not be used by itself to diagnose a worn track rod end.
Can a worn track rod end cause tyre wear?
Yes.
Wear can contribute to changes in steering geometry and wheel alignment, which can cause uneven or accelerated tyre wear.
Replacing the joint will not repair tyre tread that has already worn away.
The tyres should be inspected and the alignment checked after the repair.
What is the difference between a track rod end and a ball joint?
A track rod end is part of the steering linkage and transfers steering movement towards the wheel.
A suspension ball joint connects suspension components while allowing movement between them.
Both use jointed designs and can produce similar symptoms when worn, but they perform different functions.
Can a track rod end advisory disappear from the next MOT?
Yes.
The warning may not appear on a later MOT if the component has been replaced or the condition is not recorded again.
However, the original advisory remains visible in that historical MOT result.
A later MOT without the advisory does not prove by itself that the track rod end was replaced.
Repair invoices provide stronger evidence.
Should I buy a car with a track rod end advisory?
A slight track rod end advisory should not automatically prevent you from buying the vehicle.
Track rod ends are replaceable wear components.
Check whether the warning is repeated, whether the steering feels normal, whether tyres show abnormal wear and whether other steering or suspension advisories are present.
Factor any outstanding repair and wheel alignment into the purchase decision.
How can I check previous track rod end advisories?
Review the vehicle's complete MOT history.
Our Free MOT History Checker lets you examine previous advisories, failures and mileage records.
Look particularly for repeated track rod end warnings and related defects involving suspension joints, bushes, tyres and other steering components.
Final thoughts
A track rod end play MOT advisory normally means some wear has developed in a steering linkage joint, but the movement was not considered excessive enough to fail the vehicle at that inspection.
The key distinction is between slight play and excessive wear.
Slight play can be an early warning. Excessive wear can become a Major MOT defect, while a severely compromised steering linkage that is likely to detach represents a much more serious condition.
Typical UK track rod end replacement costs are approximately £90–£180 for one side, with wheel alignment potentially adding another £40–£100.
Don't judge the condition from one MOT entry alone. Repeated advisories, worsening wording, uneven tyre wear, loose steering and additional suspension defects provide much more useful context.
Use our Free MOT History Checker to review the vehicle's complete MOT record.
For other MOT warnings, read MOT Advisory Codes Explained: What Every MOT Warning Means.