For those who are unfamiliar with the history of my issue, see this thread:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-bushings.html

Since then, I've had a new development that I feel is different enough from the topic of my original thread to merit a new thread, so here goes:

I was unfortunate enough to blow a tire after hitting a snow-camouflaged curb-chunk that some idiot plow-driver left in the MIDDLE of an intersection earlier this week, and had to change back to my summer wheels / tires while I track down a replacement tire. I thoroughly expected this change to cure some of the steering slop, but I was quite surprised when the feel of the car returned completely to it's original state. After a day of actually enjoying the MINI fully again, I wrote off the sloppy steering issue from before as something related to the winter tires - like they had worn oddly over time and felt different as a result. However, the very next day on a long trip back from NY, I began to notice the same looseness in the steering... Granted the chassis didn't feel quite as sloppy (due to the summer rubber for sure), but there was that distinct dead, non-responsive feeling in the wheel again. Since that point, it has literally come and gone intermittently while driving.

So in short, my steering is now toggling between tight and loose at will, irrespective to road and driving conditions. I'm thinking the rack might be having some issue, though the loose "mode" feels more like over-boosted assist, as opposed to the heavy feel I would expect if the boost was dying on me. And it hasn't made any odd sounds either.

 

I would suspect your power steering pump is failing. If you take it to the MINI dealer, they will be able to scan the vehicle for faults in the pump, if it has a fault, most likely you'll need the pump, as for the sloppiness, examine your strut mounts and all suspension related bushings, as these tend to wear over time.

 

If it feels like it is overboosted you could try pulling the power steering fuse. It will make the steering really heavy, but it would help you diagnose the pump a bit and will give you a more direct connection to the road perhaps allowing you to find a fix for the other problem.

 

Mmm, that might work... I assume the fuse will be labeled in some manner that will lead me to believe it's PS?

 

According to the bentley manual it is fuse number f39, which is 5 amps, and is labeled as "Alternator; electric power steering pump". There is also fuse f41 which is labeled as "Park distance control: electric power steering pump". Otherwise you have to pull the fuse box in the engine bay so you can get to the 100amp on the back of it that is for the pump itself.

I cant tell you why the 5 amp also says alternator, but I know there is a readily accessible fuse related to the PS as that fuse is sometime removed to disable the pump when it stays on after the keys are removed. I would look around on NAM for threads about the PS staying one, you might find the exact fuse you are looking for there.

 

Will do, thanks man.