Hi,
New to NAM and so far have enjoyed my Mini and this site. I am currently experiencing a problem with my steering. When I turn left or right, the steering wheel wants to stay in that position and I have to actively turn the wheel to return it to center. A mechanic acquantance said that it is a universal on the steering rack that is worn and has to be replaced. Anyone have experience with this? The power steering pump and fan were already replaced. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
John

 

I could be wrong, but check your dealer.. This may be covered under a recall.

 

Thanks Dan,
The power steering pump and fan were done already and I am supposed to be reimbursed for this work. The worn universal is something else I am told. Was wondering if anyone has had this experience and changed the universal.
John

 

There is a new PS pump extended warranty for 2002/2005 MINI's. If your MINI was made before 2/05 your PS pump would have an extended warranty for 13 years or 150k miles. Take it to the dealer and see if your will be covered. It is not a recall, but an extended warranty.

 

Braminator,
Thanks for your reply. I am aware of the extended warranty presently seeking reimbursement). The issue that I have is related to the steering rack itself and not the pump or fan. When the pump went on my car there was the whining sound as the pump started to fail. This is not the pump; there is no noise and it only sticks in certain positions consistently. I understand that there are 2 universal joints that likely need to be replaced. Wanted to know if anyone has made this repair before.
John

 

Check the lower steering spindle, they have a lower joint that can sometime be a problem.




http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/32306763722/ES52569/




Talked about here with the centering problem.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...to-center.html

 

Hi ECS Tuning,
Thanks for the suggestion. I think this is likely the problem as the power steering pump and fan were recently changed. Is this a difficult job?
John

 

Thanks, glad I could help.

Dependent on how mechanical you are , getting it off though the wheel well #4 bolt and then under the steering #3 and then pulling it out through the firewall. It does take some work.

The lower boot on the firewall can be a little tricky lining it up to reseal #6.

Thanks

 

Thanks for the description of the steps. Sounds a little beyond me in skill and in time. At least I know whats involved when I talk to my repairman.
John

 

You are welcome, the diagram above and pics will help whoever repairs it.