Hello had my car just over a week and I'm a bit concerned. Last week noticed a clunking sound coming from my feet area. Jacked car up and had a move about on steering wheel but nothing round suspension area. But the noise seems to come from the steering box the steering wheel moves about 5mm each side but wheels don't. Is there any adjustments I can do to take the play away from steering box or is my steering on its way out. Sorry for the long explanation. Deano

The only sure way to check is to have someone else turn the steering wheel gently from side to side while you look carefully at the steering rack and linkages to see where the free play is. Remember also there may be some additional play due to the universal joint in the column.

With 5mm each way at the rim, I'd say yours is still within MOT roadworthiness limits. I've driven many classics with at least 2" free play. Feels a little strange after the pin-sharp steering of a mdern car, but you soon get used to it and it's perfectly safe. For the full experience, try driving a steam powered traction engine with chain steering; you'll sometimes get a full two turns of the steering wheel before anything moves. You learn to think ahead.

From the MOT testers manual:

That is so interesting thank you very much. I will go and see my MOT guy and see what he says if it passable. ??

there shouldn't be any clunking noise.

needs sorting


5mm play at the steering wheel doesn't sound too excessive.


its a matter of checking each joint while its not under load.


plenty of YouTube videos.


I start with the rear bush on the control arm.


steering lock on. One knee on the tyre at 3 o'clock the other at 6 hands on the other side. Push and pull on opersite sides while looking for movement. Then check for up and down play with a bar.

Put one or even two fingers across the steering arm and ball joint so you can feel both sides of the rubber cover. If there is any slack when it's challenged you will feel it long before you can see it. That said, all joints must have some clearance or they'd be jammed solid.