Hello guys, once again a bit trouble with my mini.

I'm having a noticeable play in the steering wheel, about 1 - 2 inches or so.

I've done some resource, and it appears to be pretty uncommon problem. One guy pointed out that it could be item no 4 on this picture ( http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/r/f/181.png ).

Has anyone have a guess what it can be ? New steering column, steering rack or power steering pump ?

Its started to beeing really dangerous now, it started as a small play, into this huge one.

BTW, there is no dealer here in Iceland.

 

the steeering system is pretty simple on the mini. No. 4 is the pin. that prevents the steering shaft from comming out of the rack & pinion gear box.
The shaft is slotted so even if the pin was gone, it would still turn.
Possibly the rack is shot or the tie rods ball joints are shot.
You will need to lift the car, get underneath and check it out.
the problem should make itself quite obvious if you have 2 inches of play.
This is dangerous so check it right away. Do not put it off.

 

I checked it out yesterday and found out that there was a play in this little fellah here:



Already ordered an repair kit for 144$, receiving in a few days.

 

might be bushings too....

 

very common in the MINI...
might be woth getting a pro to look at it...
might be much cheaper than the 144$ part.

 

+1 on the control arm bushings. While driving, this part when worn will give a vague and delayed steering response.

 

Subscribed to this thread as I'm having the same problem, please share what did you do to solve it.

Thanks alot

 

Hi Vodka.

The problem is solved. Just read 5 posts above from here.

Its BMW part no 32306763722.

very easy to replace. max 2 hrs.

 

Could you possibly explain the process involved? I have the same issue. As well as the Bentley Service manual but I like to get as many opinions as possible. Did you run into any trouble getting some things out to get to it etc?

 

No troubles at all.

Put the car on a lift, went under it, and removed a bolt from the lower joint in the steering column. Got myself a cowbar and slided the joint of the steering rack.

Down with the car, went inside it, removed the cover below the steering wheel, removed the bolt, slided the steering column down, then pulled through the hole.

Its really easy

 

Wow... Alright, thanks!

 

I have purchase the parts but don't know why from the look of it, it appear shorter? Do I need to pull it to adjust the length?

thank you