Steering issues

[Jamiec417]

Just doing pre checks before dreaded MOT and passenger wheel has a lot of play in it when grabbed at 3 and 9 O'clock and shaken.  No play at 12 and 6.  Anyone got any ideas what this may suggest is wrong.  No play on driver's side wheel.   :o  Thanks

[Dicky Blighter]

Track Rod End -easy job and should be able to pick one up at local motor factors for under a tenner.

[neilnaz]

Actually this sounds like a wheel bearing too. Check whether the movement is relative to the steering arm. i.e. when the wheel moves does the steering arm?

If it is a wheel bearing it might be possible to tighten it up or it might be a case of new wheel bearing required. Worst case is damaged stub axle and wheel bearing required.

If it is a track rod end then as Dicky suggests......

[Dicky Blighter]

Neil may have a point - I made the assumption the wheel was off the ground, if it was and you only get 9-3 play then its most likely track rod end, if it's 12-6 as well then wheel bearing.
However if car is stood on its wheels and it is wheel bearing then 12-6 will not show but 9-3 will if you see what I mean.
Or am I making things overcomplicated? I'll shut up now and go home cos its Friday. :)

[Clive]

could be steering rack (the outer bush tube) have a look and see where the movement is happening.

[Freebird]

If you get someone to put their foot on the brake and the play goes away, it's the wheel bearing. If the play remains, it's in the steering mechanism somewhere.