what was a "once in a while" thing, is now becoming more and more pronounced / happening on nearly a regular basis.

when i turn the steering wheel, CLICK. Turn the other way, CLICK. few more turns, nothing, turn again, CLICK... its a click i can feel in the steering column, right under the tach.

i am getting worried that something is giving out. i asked a mini tech the other day after getting my brakes put on about this; he said he did feel / hear it, and that the entire steering column will have to be replaced?!

anyone hear of this, have this? car has just over 105k on it, never been tracked or autoX'd, just the normal spirited mini driving.

 

I just was about to search, I have the same problem, seems more pronounced today. I have an 05 S with 118k and also never tracked her.

 

There is a u-joint in the steering shaft inside the steering column. If you take the cover off under the wheel on the bottom side of the steering column, you can get to it pretty easy. Just spray the u-joint with some lithium grease....and that should fix the problem

 

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



Part number 32306763722


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



Eccentric bolt: 3230678174 x 1

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...78174/ES52718/

&

Hex Nut x 1 32206782616

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Sit...h/32206782616/


Some have had success spraying the U joints , but have reported it only lasts while. You can look and see the U joint on the lift and through the wheel well on the driver side. Give it a good inspection.

Also for people with the return to center problem.

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

Thanks

 

again with BMW and their cheap Fing plastic pieces...

 

I agree with the bmw tech and ecs. As a tech myself I don't see how lube will do any bit of help. Clunking is typically due to movement/play from wear. My guess is most likely u-joint wear from upper or lower column joints.

Also, plastics aren't the problem. The steering column is metal. Plus, joint wear at over 100k miles is not out of the ordinary.

 

I just had mine replaced last week. They had the part on back order for a week so a bunch of others have been having the same problem. 30 minute install and steering spindle was $125. Not too bad.

 

do it yourself? any suggestions?

 

It's a diy job. Just have to jack the car up to get to the steering rack and do the rest from the footwell.

 

My steering was producing clicks and clunks as well. It was the steering column lower u-joint failing. It turned from clicks to slowly not wanting to recenter. Had it replaced and is now like new. As new as a car with 120,000 miles can be.

 

I just tried to order replacement part 32306763722 for my daughters 04. Several sites (like Pelican) say it's on back order. Anyone know where I can get this part? Mechanic has car but can't find part either. Appreciate help.

 

I replaced mine last weekend. I noticed the part is now NLA.

 

Why the heck would they discontinue that part. It's frozen up on ever Mini I've known.

 

holy crap. its nla?! you have got to be kidding me... so its not available anywhere anymore except on used cars now? wtf

 

Its currently not NLA, it is on back-order. This happened a couple months ago also. We currently don't have a estimated time. But once they come available again we will let you know asap.

In the short time you can use the method mentioned about spraying the U joints.

Thanks

 

Thanks ECSTuning. I called a dealer today and he said this is a popular part that IS available, just on back-order. I already put my email address in for the part at your site so I'll get an alert from you when you've got it. Phew! Close call. Next stop was salvage yard.

 

You are welcome, ECS Tuning alerts per part are the best way to go. Like a reminder if you are not watching the forums.

 

Hey guys, I'm facing with this clunking / snapping sound issue too. The sound is audible outside and inside the cabin. It appears to be coming from below the engine somewhere near the steering rack. No oil leaks visible on the rack though.

The sound only appears when wheels are on the ground. Ive recently replaced strut mount too, so that's not the source of the sound.

Here's a link to the video

 

When I had that same problem, I was told it was a worn ball joint. About a hundred bucks for repair. Dunno if this helps anyone at all.

 

Happy to report my new lower steering spindle arrived a few days ago from ECS Tuning. Now to find the time to install it. Reviewed Bentley and it looks pretty straight-forward. One thing I would add is the spindle didn't come with new bolts so I ordered those from Pelican.

 

Thanks for the order the hardware is linked above also.