Mon Aug 16 18:51:17 2004 From: Stephen Rigley So it went for the NCT this morning (National Car Test) ... it failed on point 5 in the steering catagory. >From the Regulations themselves, i.e. "The Law" Item 43: steering linkage Reasons for refusal: In the case of rack and pinion steering ? (1) a linkage is damaged or insecure. (2) splines are worn or damaged (3) bushes/bearings are excessively worn. (4) excessive end float is present in pinion. (5) obvious stiffness in linkage. (6) steering rack gaiter is insecure, split or missing. (7) steering box suffers form obvious stiffness or bearings are damaged or worn. (8) steering box is damaged or insecure or excessive end float is present in a steering box shaft. (9) axial or radial play is present in the linkage, splines are worn or a shaft is twisted. (10) a drop arm/dra g link is damaged or insecure. (11) a drag link or the track rod ends are obviously worn or insecure. (12) idler assembly mounting is obviously loose, or axial or radial play is present in the assembly. (13) track rod/steering arm is obviously deformed. loose or cracked. (14) 3mm (1/8") or more play is evident at wheel rim on 14" diameter wheel in respect of kin g pin/ bushes; bearings, at wheel rim or another diameter wheel rim displays pro rata play. (l5) excessive lift exists between stub axle and axle beam. (16) stub axle is damaged or bent. (17) a retaining or locking device ( split pin, nut, rivet, weld, etc.) is missing, insecure worn or broken. (18) steering housing is damaged or worn. (19) a mounting bolt for steering housing is missing or loose. (20) any steering component has been repaired by welding. (21) cracks or corrosion are present around attachment points for steering box, rack or idler box. (22) power assistance is not available consistently over full lock to lock range. (23) power assistance is not operating where power steering is a standard fitment by the manufacturer on all vehicles of the type of vehicle being tested. (24) power steering fluid level is below minimum level. (25 ) a power steering fluid pipe is fouling other components. (26) leaks are present in power steering fluid pipes. (27) power steering pump is worn, noisy, leaking or has a defective drive. (28) continuous oil leak is present from steering box/rack/ or steering damper. (29) steering is over or under locking or is fouling any other component on the vehicle.