Hey guys, maybe someone might now the answer. Got an r53 2006 mini cooper s, lately, mostly during hot weather, the power steering shuts off, i would imagine the pump is going out.

Today while driving the steering wheel came loose and now it shakes up and down. In addition to that when turning the wheel lock to lock it sounds like there is a loose bolt around the airbag area, maybe a bit bellow. I will try to upload a video of it. What could that be? Could it possibly be related to the power steering cutting on and off?

A bit more info on the power steering problem. The pump is not particularly noisy, had a few minis before and this one does not sound any louder the the previous ones. Sometimes it cuts out when the car is started cold, thus I have a concern that possibly some sensor is not connecting properly.

Thanks in advance

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Update on the rattling noise (that sounded like a screw. Apparently it was a screw. Just removed the steering shaft cover on right below the steeringn wheel and found this screw. Picture below. Does anyone know where it might have come from?

 

The pump is dying. Mine did exactly that.

 

shame. Will have to sort a new one out. What about the wheel shake in the video. Any idea what that could be?

thanks for the answer

 

Jack it up - even one side at a time. Look for play in the tie rods - both the inner and outer ends. Check your wheels for roundness, and have them balanced. That is the first step. You should also look for inner and outer ball joints and lower control arm bushings.

 

I’ve just recently replaced lots of parts on the front end suspension. This wheel wiggle feels more on the inside of the cabin and it feels like the steering wheel itself is loose. Could it just be the steering wheel bolt? The one that holds it on.

 

The steering wheel is on a spline and doesn't have wiggle room if the bolt is lose. Unless all the teeth on the spline are rounded, which I highly doubt.

When the steering wheel bolt is loose the only thing that gets play is pulling the steering wheel towards you.

As mentioned, look at inner and outer tie rods and ball joints. You could also inspect the steering shaft ujoints but these usually seise up instead of getting play. Last option is the steering rack itself but that's expensive and I've read from Way that these seldom fail.

 

Get a good high speed balance at least on the front wheels - are you still using run flats?