When the front end is lifted I can move the front wheels side to side about a half inch back and forth. I can see the steering rack is going in and out about a half inch. Is that normal or time to replace/rebuild? And is there a rebuild kit out there? Thanks for any help.

I think I have the same issue in my 2009 Mini Cooper S. The first two mechanics said the tie rods were shot, but the third guy said the steering rack needed replaced. He said that the other mechanics thought both tie rods were shot because of the movement. Does anyone have any insight?

Maybe start with replacing the tie rods and if that doesn't seem to fix it, then move to the rack.

If the rack does indeed need to be rebuilt, there are shops out there that can do it. I lived in Colorado for my whole life, until recently, and a shop called Rocky Mountain Driveline did rebuilds of things like this. I would suggest searching for a shop in your area. Maybe just Google "Drivetrain rebuilds in ______." Can also call them and see what they have to say. If you're DIY savvy you can remove it and take it to them and they can tell you.

-Luccia

If you lock the steering wheel and the rack moves in and out easily, it could be the rack. The tie rods outer bushing is usually the culprit. The inner on is pretty solid. Lock the rack , jack and block the car for safety grab the wheel and rock it back and forth , if you see there is play in that outer tire rod busing , its bad. If there is no play and movement the rack itself has issue, most of the time its those outer tie rods 9 out of 10 times.


This is for Gen 1 MINI tie rods. R50 R52 R53 2002-2008

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ll-joints.html




This is for Gen 2 2007+ R56 ( BBurket3 ) this i s most likely your fitment.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...placement.html




You are posting in the Gen 1 section and you most likely have a Gen 2 R56. Hope that helps