I know that this may extend beyond the GP model, but with it's suspension set-up I thought I would start here...... Wondering if the GP's owners have noticed any play in the feel through the steering at 1/4 and 1/2 lock of the wheel? I notice when the steering wheel stops turning and begins return to straight. I am wondering if anyone has notice this with their GP's or any other pre-turbo charged MINI's and is it a symptom of the steering or the suspension? It is very slight at this time so I though it maybe caused by the cold temps, but the feel remains after driving the car for sometime.

 

Hey Steve.

I have the same susp as you and GP wheels. I dont experience what you described at all, but then again I have an 03 and not an 06. There are two things which come to mind, and probably you too.

Maybe check your front control arm bushings. The OEM ones dont last, and they do keep your wheels camber and caster going the way it supposed to. Do/did you have any issues driving over uneven ground where your MINI sorta steers on it's own diff directions left and right ? If so, look into a set of Front Control arm bushings, I replaced mine with Powerflex brand. They are awesome and my MINI steers and rides like brand new.

Power steering pump: Does it steering become stiff at all when this happens ? If so, I would be looking this direction.

 

I thought of some of the things you mention Gray and thats what why I am seeking ideas, uneven pavement shows no slack or play and the steering does not stiffen. But, I was wondering about the bushings. I have a little over 30,000 miles on the clock. Thanks for the help Gray!

 

np, 30K miles is not a lot on bushings, but for some reason, some just last longer than others. Usually the right side bushing go first - soley because we make more right turns I guess...

I will tell you though, mine were gone at 50K miles. And I was not really aware of how bad they were until they were finally replaced at 74K miles by our club mechanic. I did a thread on it here somewhere, titled " Found a MINI repair Shop In Massachusetts " . took some pics too.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...nic-in-ma.html

 

New bushings have been purchased and will go on when I get new tires.

 

Good idea, because you will be getting an alignment done ?

 

Yes, Powerflex bushings installed, new tires, alignment and I'll be set!

 

No play in the steering on my GP with 44,400 miles.

 

Funny I started getting this last week after our brief rain encounter in NorCal. I am taking it into dealer today. I will let you know what they say.

 

I travel for work so my car may sit for a day to a couple of weeks sometimes and I just recently noticed this "gap" at lock but not while moving with the wheels straight. With some upcoming travel, I will give it till february before taking it in, maybe the warming temps will solve the problem. But, I will be interested to here what you find out about yours howsoonisnow19185!

 

No word yet, but not complaining since I got a 335i as a rentalthis sucker is fast.

 

Wow! Nice! Ah yea. I took my GP in for scheduled maintance and was directed to the near by rental car office and given a Hyundai Accent......Now thats a quality machine! I was hoping for a 1 or 3 series BMW......Not a Hyundai!

 

We've seen CTABs go at 30k. They usually last to 60k or so, but in the North East, where pot holes rule the road, they can go that quickly. I'm not a huge fan of polyurithane bushings: I find that they deform as quickly or sometimes quicker than stock.

 

The 09 335i was nice, it felt heavy around corners but very very fast it seriously got me thinking about a 135i. I took the rental 335i to a BMWCCA HPDE this monday at Laguna Seca, fun after you get used to RWD.

Anyway got the GP back tonight, I still got to talk to them, but here is what they said on paper.

#D XSteer CPB Steering/Suspension Diagnosis/Repair
Customer states that steering play at stop and low speed. Customer demonstrated issue with the steering exists and discussed with foreman. Please see _____ for further info.

Cause: X M32 Steering
7512 WM 1 32-41-6-778-425 30 RMFD Power Steering Pump:324019 Core Charge W
1 83-29-0-429-576 08 Hydraulic Oil Fluid Pentosin CHF 1:832515
1 32-11-1-131-345 37 Hose Clamp:329590

44205 P/S Pump Leaked Hydraulic Fluid. Road Test Verify P/S Assist Intermittently slip when turn left or right and hard to steer. Check Fault No Fault From EHPS is Found. Check Fluid Level Too Low. Visual Inspect, Found Defective P/S Steering Pump Cause Hydraulic Fluid to Leak. Remove P/S Fan, R&R P/S Pump. Fill Up New CHF Fluid. Clean Fluid Residue. Recheck And No Fluid Leak is Found. P/S Operates Normal Now.

BTW: Helix13mini Also The Front Lower CTABs were broken R&R [removed & replaced].

 

Oh BTW No Charge, Still under extended warranty (also paid for extension), they also changed the oil, filter, micro filter, Front Lower CTABs, Intake Air Duct, Profile Gasket, ECU (Lost the RMW and I could feel it, Hose Clamp, Passenger Air Bag Circuit, Trunk Lid Latch/Lock, Rocker Panel Clips.

 

Thanks for the update howsoonisnow1985!!! Sounds like they were 'very' thorough too! Hope its back to normal now. I have an appointment next week so we'll see how mine goes, hopefully as well as yours.
I'm interested to see what the loaner will be! I can only hope for a 335i. I have read many good reviews on the car and interested to drive a RWdrive again, at least in car form. Thanks again. Keep an I out for an update.