Will a bad steering rack or tie rod cause me to fail MOT?

ANSWER : Hello. Yes bad tie rods are a valid reason for a vehicle to fail MOT. The tie rods are part of the steering rack. The steering rack consist of two inner and two outer tie rods. Generally you will only have to replace the steering rack itself if it is leaking. Normally a worn tie rod would be the cause for steering rack failure, replacing the tie rod should enable you to pass MOT.
A thorough site to order parts from is rockauto.com. Though I suggest that you have a technician evaluate your vehicle to tell you which tie rods you exactly need before purchasing any parts.

ANSWER : Hi there:

Without being there to inspect your Honda Pilot, it’s very difficult for me to give you accurate advice on what is causing the steering to be loose. All of the items you’ve listed in your question could be the source of this problem; but it’s critical to have a professional mobile mechanic complete a steering wheel is vibrating or shaking inspection first, before having repairs completed.

ANSWER : Hi there. If everything else has already been installed from the donor vehicle then it sounds like the high pressure hose is all that you need to install. The hardest part of doing this is the routing. One thing you may also want to double check is that the donor vehicle and your 2003 Escape have the same rack. There are different models depending on the model and the size of your wheels. You need to install the pressure line first, but if it does not line up then you may have the wrong rack installed. If you would like some assistance installing this hose, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to you to [replace your high pressure steering hose] https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-steering-pressure-hose-replacement

ANSWER : You are correct, there is no hex pattern machined into the component. There is a special tool that can be used to remove the inner tie rods. Sometimes you can get a large wrench to work. There are only two flat surfaces, 180 degrees apart from each other, machined into the inner tie rods. I have also used a pipe wrench before, but the special tool makes it much easier. You may find loaner tools at you local parts store. If you would like, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to replace the tie rod end for you.

ANSWER : Hi there. If the codes are coming on for the steering angle due to either the sensor failing or the plug not plugged in all the way. Check the harness on the steering sensor and see if its plugged in. If the harness is plugged in and has not moisture on it, then the sensor has probably failed. You can have the vehicle realigned, but if the sensor has failed, it will not correct its self. I recommend replacing the steering angle sensor. If you need further assistance with the steering angle sensor, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The shields that are mounted on the bottom of the car provide the most protection from water and road debris. While they do provide this protection, failure of the rack and pinion should not have occurred after being exposed for 5 months. If weather conditions in your area are extreme right now, that may be a factor to consider, but you need to look into the situation a little further. Check to see if the rack was new, used, or re-manufactured when it was put in. Verify what kind of warranty the unit came with if any, and find out why the heat shield was not reinstalled. The company will have to take some responsibility for that. If the unit was used, it may not have a warranty, but any new or re-manufactured parts (used but rebuilt) should have a warranty. Between the manufacture of the rack, and the shop who did not reinstall the shield, you should be getting assistance somewhere along the line in replacing the unit again. For more help replacing the unit, or getting an inspection of the problem, contact our service department about scheduling.

ANSWER : Hello. It is common to have very little play in the rack, but it should not be much. If there is some noise coming from the rack, then it needs to be replaced. The rack you have was more than likely a rebuild as it is not common to get brand new ones anywhere but the dealer and they are very expensive. I would definitely take is back out and have it warrantied at the place you purchased it from. If you would like to to have this taken care of by someone else, a qualified professional from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to inspect the suspension and steering and advise on repairs.

ANSWER : The movement in the rack shaft is normal as far as I have seen in the video. With everything hooked up, use jack stands on both sides of the car to and support it below the lower control arms. Once that’s done, see if both front wheels spin easily with no brake or bearing bind. Turn each wheel by hand and look for loose movement in the inner or outer tie rods. Then turn the wheel left and right to see if the rack is binding.

If you need some assistance or would like a second opinion about this, consider YourMechanic, as a certified technician can diagnose your steering issue and help you fix it accordingly.