Obviously the MINI isn't going to ride like a Caddy due to the nature of it's suspension setup, but I'm just wondering if anyone else is bothered by the amount of steering wheel shake?

My '02 has 105,000 miles on it, and has brand new LCA bushings, all new balljoints, and brand new factory endlinks up front. While I've gotten rid of all the strange noises in my suspension, I do still have steering wheel shake and feedback when going over ruts and harsh bumps, especially when cornering. This doesn't have to be aggressive cornering either, just driving to work. The only conceivable thing my car needs right now is an alignment. The struts and tops have less than 10k on them.

 

If you just did ball joints....you need an alignment for sure..you have done a lot of suspension work...I bet it is out of wack by a fair bit. I have a lot less miles, on a newer car....but don't have any shake....and I don't recall hearing anybody complaining about steering wheel shake in our local (Mass) club.

 

An alignment should take care of your issues. If not, have your tires balanced as well.

It sounds like you have quite a bit of toe out right now causing your issues.

 

You know, I didn't really think of the toe alignment. That would do it. The tires are balanced, I get no shaking at speed. It's just the suspension acting up. Hopefully the alignment fixes it.