Not funny ha ha I'm afraid. At very slow speeds, for instance when backing out of the garage and turning my MC around in the drive, it feels like there's an ever-so-slight slip/disengagement of the steering wheel. Instead of a smooth steady contact with the turning motion, I feel a brief gap when turning either direction.

Not surprisingly I can't feel a thing at even low road speeds. The car has well under 10,000 but I am wondering if something is coming loose. It may be that the steering wheel adjustment lever needs tightening. It doesn't appear to though. But I fear it could be something else.

Anyone else experience this? Anyone have any ideas what else it might be? My dealer's about 3 1/2 hours away so it's not easy to just take it in.

Thanks for any theories.

 

I suppose there's a slim chance that low fluid could cause this. You could check that, but otherwise this sounds like something you'd better have the dealer check out.

good luck.

 

Is it at approx. 1 and/or 11 oclock? My S is having the steering column replaced today for it. Do a forum search for “clunk”

 

Thanks folks. It really is more of a clunk than a skip. Sort of like a slight bind up in the steering column so that might (sigh) be it.

Happy Trails!

 

I'm with MINI USA. Sorry for your trouble with your steering. Brgfan is correct in that you should contact your authorized MINI dealer to discuss this problem. If you would like our assistance, please phone us at 866 ASK.MINI and mention Reference # 200406500056 so that we can help you more efficiently.

 

yes mine make a slight clunk only when i just start driving the car (engine is cold). it stops after about 5-10 mins. is this what you're experiencing too?

 

My car has had the steering clunk since new, I too only notice it when backing out of my driveway, maybe it's time to get it looked at.

X2

 

I think ALL Coopers have this, it may be that some owners are more prone to noticing than others. If it happens when cold it may be related to hydraulic fluid in steering rack. When warm fluid expands, pressure increases and "slack" is removed. Gears in rack are forced tight together and no more click. I would hesitste to let dealer rip out my steeering column for this unless an official recall calls for it. I do have this on my '03 Cooper with 31k. I think that this should be more officially addressed by MINI. If normal there should be a reasonable explanation for it that will put our minds to ease.

 

My MCS has sporadic steering weirdness. I noticed that my power steering reservoir cap is leaking, so the two may be related.

 

I had the same problem since new(02). I'm for the first service tomorrow AM for the 1st time.
I hope nothing major!!!! :

 

I did have the lower part of my steering column replaced and it cured my clunk.

 

UPDATE: Just got back from my 1st service, all they did was LUBE the steering bearing. SERVICE
QUOTE"REMOVED STEERING COLUMN LOWER COVER AND FOUND THE STEERING COLUMN BEARING TO BE
CAUSING THE CLUNK. LUBE BEARING, REINSTLLED LOWER STEERING, CHECKED OPERATION-GOOD.
Drove MCS home, couple test here and there NO MORE CLUCK noise.... Wondering what type of
grease did they use so I can DIY.
Hope this help :smile: