MOT Fail!!! Advise please

Dougie · 27th April 2009, 19:35

Hello all,

Had our ZT go through the test today but failed on ''steering column will not lock in a fixed position''

Basically, the column can be made to move down from its setting to its lowest point, but more than a fair amount of force is needed for it to do it. it doesnt go any further than its lowest adjustable setting and with the force needed we appealed as i dont consider it dangerous, but it still failed.

Has anyone come across this and if so how was it fixed.

Many thanks in advance.

GreyGhost · 27th April 2009, 20:06

Not much help but this is the first time I have ever heard of the steering adjustment being part of an MOT test. It should in my view be securely locked in place though.

Greeners · 27th April 2009, 20:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grey Ghost

Not much help but this is the first time I have ever heard of the steering adjustment being part of an MOT test. It should in my view be securely locked in place though.

have a read of this

the key is reasonable force

Dougie · 27th April 2009, 20:29

Many thanks gents, much appreciated.

JOHN STRANG · 27th April 2009, 20:31

I recieved a warning for the top bearing slightly worn, although I cannot feel any difference since I bought the car 3 years ago( 67000 miles ago).

J1MBO · 27th April 2009, 20:31

Did have a similar problem with a Rover 400, somehow the "friction" part had become worn and would not hold the column securely. Not picked on mot, I noticed it myself that overtime the wheel would end up in my lap! Sourced a used part from a breakers.

Would suggest you try to source a replacement, maybe from your local breakers, Les @ SMC Trading or eBay etc. Would have thought new to be expensive.

I thought it was covered under the mot as per this:-

MOT TEST INFORMATION
Extracts reproduced from the MOT Inspection Manual by kind permission of THE VEHICLE INSPECTORATE.

STEERING

Inside the car checks
• Steering wheel and steering column:
• Steering wheel condition
• The steering wheel must be securely attached to the steering shaft

• The upper bearings of the steering

column are inspected for wear

• The steering shaft is checked for excessive end float

• Clamping bolts security
• The split pins and locking nuts
• The 'free play' in the steering
• Flexible couplings and universal joints.

Regards

Dougie · 27th April 2009, 21:10

Thanks Jimbo, I'm very grateful

Forestgreen · 28th June 2017, 18:12

Bit of an old thread revival, but I have noticed that especially if the steering wheel is at the highest position of adjustment, it can occasionally slip down a bit even with the height adjusting lever firmly pushed into place. Is there anything simple that can be tightened up to stop it slipping down or is it a case of having to get something new (if so what needs to be ordered?) ordered? MOT coming up in a few weeks and I'd rather have the parts ready in advance if it does require any new parts.

suzublu · 28th June 2017, 18:22

There's a nut at the base of the lever, drop the lever, tighten the nut slightly, push the lever back. Keep doing this until it feels right.

xsport · 28th June 2017, 18:43

yes as above. BUT be very carefull whilse adjusting.use very slow increments as the plastic securing levers break very easily. so if it does not feel as though its making any difference .... take a long hard look before you push it too far. as im well aware of what will happen !! .... good luck ...

27th April 2009, 19:35	#1
Dougie Newbie MG ZR 105 S2 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Selby Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	MOT Fail!!! Advise please Hello all, Had our ZT go through the test today but failed on ''steering column will not lock in a fixed position'' Basically, the column can be made to move down from its setting to its lowest point, but more than a fair amount of force is needed for it to do it. it doesnt go any further than its lowest adjustable setting and with the force needed we appealed as i dont consider it dangerous, but it still failed. Has anyone come across this and if so how was it fixed. Many thanks in advance. __________________ The spirit of MG Rover lives on

27th April 2009, 20:29	#4
Dougie Newbie MG ZR 105 S2 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Selby Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Many thanks gents, much appreciated. __________________ The spirit of MG Rover lives on

27th April 2009, 21:10	#7
Dougie Newbie MG ZR 105 S2 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Selby Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks Jimbo, I'm very grateful __________________ The spirit of MG Rover lives on

28th June 2017, 18:43	#10
xsport Posted a thing or two rover 75 club se Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Leicester Posts: 1,646 Thanks: 358 Thanked 419 Times in 310 Posts	warning yes as above. BUT be very carefull whilse adjusting.use very slow increments as the plastic securing levers break very easily. so if it does not feel as though its making any difference .... take a long hard look before you push it too far. as im well aware of what will happen !! .... good luck ...

27th April 2009, 20:06	#2
GreyGhost Banned 180+ Sport Auto Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Bedford Middle Level Posts: 17,787 Thanks: 0 Thanked 18 Times in 5 Posts	Not much help but this is the first time I have ever heard of the steering adjustment being part of an MOT test. It should in my view be securely locked in place though.

27th April 2009, 20:31	#5
JOHN STRANG Newbie MG ZT-T Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Cheshire Posts: 13 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I recieved a warning for the top bearing slightly worn, although I cannot feel any difference since I bought the car 3 years ago( 67000 miles ago).

27th April 2009, 20:31	#6
J1MBO This is my second home Roverless & now carless Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Wilmslow Posts: 15,583 Thanks: 2,457 Thanked 2,428 Times in 1,301 Posts	Did have a similar problem with a Rover 400, somehow the "friction" part had become worn and would not hold the column securely. Not picked on mot, I noticed it myself that overtime the wheel would end up in my lap! Sourced a used part from a breakers. Would suggest you try to source a replacement, maybe from your local breakers, Les @ SMC Trading or eBay etc. Would have thought new to be expensive. I thought it was covered under the mot as per this:- MOT TEST INFORMATION Extracts reproduced from the MOT Inspection Manual by kind permission of THE VEHICLE INSPECTORATE. STEERING Inside the car checks • Steering wheel and steering column: • Steering wheel condition • The steering wheel must be securely attached to the steering shaft • The upper bearings of the steering column are inspected for wear • The steering shaft is checked for excessive end float • Clamping bolts security • The split pins and locking nuts • The 'free play' in the steering • Flexible couplings and universal joints. Regards

28th June 2017, 18:12	#8
Forestgreen Gets stuck in Rover 75 Connoisseur SE 2.5 V6 saloon Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Birmingham Posts: 770 Thanks: 47 Thanked 105 Times in 54 Posts	Bit of an old thread revival, but I have noticed that especially if the steering wheel is at the highest position of adjustment, it can occasionally slip down a bit even with the height adjusting lever firmly pushed into place. Is there anything simple that can be tightened up to stop it slipping down or is it a case of having to get something new (if so what needs to be ordered?) ordered? MOT coming up in a few weeks and I'd rather have the parts ready in advance if it does require any new parts.

28th June 2017, 18:22	#9
suzublu This is my second home rover 75 1.8 vvc club se wedgwood blue Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Seaton Carew Posts: 26,920 Thanks: 65 Thanked 7,142 Times in 4,642 Posts	There's a nut at the base of the lever, drop the lever, tighten the nut slightly, push the lever back. Keep doing this until it feels right.