Hey guys/gals,

I have two separate questions:
1. I have a little bit of play in the steering while I drive. I have to move the wheel about an inch or two before it feels normal again. Also, there is a clicking, almost like a bolt is catching and releasing on washers, ie clank clank, not a creak.This happens only while turning, i'm wondering if this is all related to the steering column. How can this issue be resolved?

2. The shifter in the car is extremely stiff, is this a sign of missing transmission fluid? Please let me know. Thank you

I am driving a 2003 mini cooper s 170k km

 

Could be the steering shaft or the tie rod ends.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mc-w-pics.html

Pretty easy to check your tie rods. Jack up the car and grab the left and right sides of the tire and see if you can move it. If it moves, look at the suspension parts to see where the play is coming from while you push and pull on the tire.

Strangely enough both of my tie rods went at the same time. I checked them a few months ago and they were fine. When I checked them again a few weeks ago both were shot at 112k miles.

As far as the transmission I would change the oil in it. Then you will know it's at the correct level and it might help it shift better.

 

I'll give it a try, its weird though, really feels like its as if they didn't tighten the steering wheel down properly. So it feels like its just loose. I'm wondering if I take the steering wheel off, if I'll find the main bolt to need a tightening.

 

Chances are that your problem is the steering spindle, they have a small u-joint in them that wears over time or seizes and will either cause slack in the wheel or causes stiff spots in the steering.

Detroit Tuned MINI Steering Spindle

As for the shifter being stiff, it could be in need of shifter cables, when the boots tear on the end of them they allow water and debris into the sheathing that starts to rust and seize the cables.

 

+1 be sure to review that thread. It's pretty helpful with the install and parts. If you do need help with parts please let me know. I have it listed at post #4 in that thread listed. Also, for the clicking, make sure your CV joints are in good working order. Make sure the boots don't look damaged/leaking. If grease is no longer in those boots it will cause a click under load/while turning. For shifting, do you grind gears at all or would you say it feels as if it's really notchy/stiff in the shifter? You can check the cables as suggested. We have an article that can help you with that.

Shift cables - http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm
Some good info on axles in this NAM thread - https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...xel-boots.html

Let us know what you find.