Practically Classics Forum

After seven years of hard graft I have nearly finished restoreing a 1967 Fiat 600D. All of the steering and suspension components are new with the exception of the worm screw and sector steering box. With the front wheels on the ground there is about 15mm of "play at the steering wheel. Is this acceptable for a MOT ? If not where can I get the steering box reconditioned? Is the box the same as fitted to the 500 ? Any advice would be gratefully recieved. Peter

The MOT tester's manual says:

Reason for rejection
Types of suspension covered
This inspection applies to the steering mechanism of all types of front suspension.


A. Free Play
1. With the road wheels on the ground pointing straight ahead, lightly turn the steering wheel left and right as far as possible without moving the road wheels.

1. A point on the rim of the steering wheel moves, without the road wheels moving, for more than
a. 75mm for non rack and pinion

Even if it had a rack, then 13mm would be acceptable and you could easily get from 15 to 13 with a smaller wheel. As it is, you've a further 60mm of play allowed before you need to worry.
My 500's more than 200 miles away at the moment so I can't just pop out to check, but I'm sure it had more than 15mm.
The boxes appear, from the parts list I have, to be the same but as you don't need one, that's kind of immaterial.

I had to re-read that until I realised that 75mm is the 3" that I remember.

just over half an inch of play is tight as a drum for a box. Practically as new

Thanks for the replies guys, you certainly have put my mind at rest. However, a few more months work and the first attempt at the MOT will be made!!!! Cheers