This is my first posting, I have been hanging around the fringes for a while, but just joined up. I have a 2004 Mini that I bought new and it has given me zero problems until now. I developed a power steering fluid leak that appeared to come from the pump and I had lost power steering so I replace the pump(the car has 78000 miles on it). This proved to be an error as the leak was a crack in the rack near the pressure line. I replace the rack and now the steering wheel won't self return to center after a turn. Very much like a need for more caster. Since changing the rack won't effect castor and as I learned on this forum the Mini does not have adjutable caster that isn't the problem. I have rechchecked the installation and the toe adjustment and can find nothing wrong. Do any of you have and idea what could be causing this problem? Appreciate any help at all.
Steve

 

I wonder if the u-joint in the lower steering column is broken. This happened to my 2005... if felt like I had manual steering.

 

If you are referring to the "U" joint that connects the steering shaft to the steering rack, mine is OK. Appreciate the suggestion. Thanks
Steve

 

There's a thread going in this forum about 04-05 power steering failure and factory participation. There's a number posted by one of the members which will get you more information concerning the possible factory campaign. There have been a couple of articles written on the failure. Looks like it may become some type of recall or campaign by the factory.

 

I believe the phone number was to report the failure to the agency investigating the failures. As of right now, you are on your own to replace it.