Play in N/S wheel

I was just doing a little check of wheel wobble holding the passenger side

How much is considered a MOT failure ?

Just trying to guage if I need to change the rods and ends and balljoint beforehand.

If there is play in all directions, could be a wheel bearing. If you're lucky, it might be adjustable.

What car front or rear drive?

Get your head in there, and you'll probably be able to see what's moving.

If it is a wheelbearing, I'm amazed if you've not heard it long before you can feel it.

How long's a piece of string?

Steering -

Sorry would have been more helpful p[osting the cars details. A mk4 golf 1.6 petrol golf, front wheel drive.

if you have left and right AND top and bottom wheel play, then the fault will be either the wheel is loose, the hub nut is loose or the bearing is worn out. If you mean the whole lot goes in and out then look at balljoint play or worn bushes. Best bet is to just put it in for a test and see what they say.

Not if they are taper adjustable bearings. Those can and do need adjusting over the miles without having failed. My SD1 has those and they're original - and have been adjusted several times. So much easier to change than some others too if they fail.

Mk4 Golfs normally get rather noisy before the plays noticeable.