After what I said above, the local main dealer sent me a photograph of a plainly dosed steering rack gaiter, oozing grease despite MOT pass the week before, when I dropped it in for its annual service.
It may be that they gave it a good squeeze/prod that MOT rules preclude but it was clearly dozed and the other side was changed 3 years ago - so I am glad the MD highlighted it for repair.
Reminds me of donkey's years ago when I spent 1/2 an hour in the overalls under a Mk1 323i I was buying despite it passing the MOT the week before. The seller didn't understand why I bothered - I bought it in the end but didn't trust MOTs then. If they were that good none us would live by the mantra of an indi inspection at purchase time.
It may be that they gave it a good squeeze/prod that MOT rules preclude but it was clearly dozed and the other side was changed 3 years ago - so I am glad the MD highlighted it for repair.
Reminds me of donkey's years ago when I spent 1/2 an hour in the overalls under a Mk1 323i I was buying despite it passing the MOT the week before. The seller didn't understand why I bothered - I bought it in the end but didn't trust MOTs then. If they were that good none us would live by the mantra of an indi inspection at purchase time.