I just reinstalled the subframe in my 2002 mini Cooper r50.
The steering wheel doesn't turn fully to the right.
Does the wheel itself have limited rotations left and right?
if so it is possible I got the steering knuckle on 1 rotation off.
Feels like it goes 1 rotation then has a duddy end spot like it is hanging up before full turn. Yikes

 

I backed it down the driveway. Inspected it. While running put a little pressure on the dead spot in the turn and "crack" like th sound of plastic inside the steering wheel housing. Ofter a few turns and it seemed fine. Jacked it up. Inspected the steering. Nothing was hanging up. Only thing I can think of was there was a little screw that fell in the vicinity of the shift linkage, that I could never find after that. Maybe it got lodged on a steering component down there. The other thing which I suspect more is I pushed up on the telescoping steering rod maybe a little too far when getting the sub frame out. i dont know what is beyond the firewall skirt there, but maybe some piece of molded plastic structure got in the way. Anyone ever have this "steering binding" after dropping the sub frame and reconnecting the steering?

 

Sounds like you spun the steering wheel with the column being disconnected from the steering rack. Do you have an airbag light on now?

Chances are that you need a new clock spring if you now have an airbag light.

 

Oh no.

The airbag light has been on for a long time due to the fact that Mini created faulty airbag switches in the seat sensors, Replaced many times and the car went out of warranty.

So, now there may be another airbag problem.

Is this easily replaceable? Cost? And can this be done safely without deploying the airbag?

Thanks for your reply.

 

I had to put one in my car about two years ago when I was replacing the steering wheel, it's not entirely cheap but also not scary expensive.

Give us a call and we can get you some more information on what you need.
586-792-6464

 

Thanks, Do you think it might only be the clock spring, or does the mount bracket have the ability to also give out or break?

The turn signals are working as normal by the way.

 

If the turn signals disengage like they should when you turn the opposite direction that is a good sign, but not totally out of the woods yet.

Find someone with a dealer level scan tool to see what is going on with the clock spring, as well as get the steering column recentered on the steering rack.

 

If I do disengage the steering column, is the wheel supposed to turn only 1.5 or so times in either direction?

And if the pin or ribbon inside is broken, will it just spin around and around?
(with the column disengaged )

And by centering I assume you mean, with a fully functional clock spring, crank to the right, count the turns, crank to the left count the turns, then split the dif, making sure the wheels are straight and the pins line up underneath.

 

What's the warranty on the passenger sensor?
I have a new passenger lower seat that was replaced and then removed for R56 seats. PM me.

 

Just got back from a local shop. Airbag codes on Upper passenger seat, passenger seat belt buckle and yes the clock spring :-(

 

The passenger seat belt tensioner? Is it collapsed (been in an accident), if not just make sure the connections under the seat are connected.

Just give us a call if you end up needing to source that clock spring.

 

Thanks knfry. I was able to source a used clockspring for extremely cheap locally. Sort of just fell in my lap. This is a budget job, unfortunately. I do appreciate your help and guidance. Assuming the wheels are straight when I take the steering knuckle off, what is the procedure to get the clock in and the steering wheel aligned? I assume to instal the clockspring then rotate to find TDC (2.5 turns) and hope it is within obvious relationship to the alignment of steering knuckle/shaft

 

With the steering spindle disconnected and the clock spring out the wheel and steering column should be able to spin freely for all eternity, the "centering" is going to be done with the clock spring. Make sure when you assemble everything that the clock spring wasn't turned to the left or right and is centered in its travel.

Good luck, new they come with a little lock in them to keep them centered in travel until you assemble it.

 

Thanks. Is it best to crack the nut on the steering wheel before lifting the car?
i assume this steering wheel has to com off

 

The wheel does have to come off.

Make sure your wheels are centered in their travel, then reattach your steering shaft to the steering rack. After that remove the battery +, airbag, steering wheel, clock spring, and reverse the order. You will most likely need to find someone with a quality scan tool to reset some codes and possibly the steering angle.

 

All done!
Using a scan tool I had these codes prior:

03 Belt Tensioner, Front Passenger
06 Side Airbag, Front right
61 Seat-belt lock, passenger
15 Airbag driver, stage 2
01 Airbag, driver, stage 1

Need to know the exact location these faults refer to.

After resetting I see this:

04 Airbag, Passenger, Stage 1

Kinda weird the "04" code would pop up after resetting the others.

I should probably drive this around and see if those codes come back.

This airbag light has been on since we bought the car in 05. Mini replaced the seat sensor at one point but we got tired of getting reamed by the dealer to have this light "reset".


Q:
What does "04 Airbag, Passenger, Stage 1" refer to? Connectors under seat?
And What is the Difference between Stage 1 and Stage 2?

Will the airbag function even if it has an error code?

 

Airbags will always default to deployment in the event of an accident.

There are two stages of deployment, one which is designed for a passenger under 80 lbs, the other for passengers over, just a difference of timing and charge.

 

Interesting.

So this is the weight sensor in the seat bottom?
This was replaced by mini. What does it look like? A mesh under the seat cushion?
Ironically that seat has "very little mileage"
Where do I start to diagnose this and then fix it?