When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Stock Problems/IssuesDiscussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.
I spent $2k a few weeks ago and am trying to solve this myself. I just had the lower Powerflex lower control arm bushings, Ireland Engineering fixed camber plates, OEM inner ball joints replaced (in addition to a new clutch). Mechanic said steering felt tight and he tugged on front end parts.
After driving the car for a couple days front-right wheel has a little play when I pull on it with hands. Steering wheel has 1/4" of play, which is more noticeable at highway speeds.
Guesses? I wont have time to take her to the mechanic to diagnose for another week, but I could tackle the job after hours this week.
If the steering wheel has play you might need to replace the steering column. My car has the same problem. This is the part I think needs to be replaced. I remember reading it only came in RHD, and you would have to do some modifications to make it fit, but hopefully ECS Tuning can answer that. I'm waiting until its warmer, so I can tackle this myself. For the front right wheel did you check the bearings?
I'd bet tie rods, when you wiggle the right front wheel can you see movement between the tie rod and the steering knuckle? Tie rods are pretty easy to replace, and not too expensive, but you will need an alignment afterwards.
Does the car almost wander on the highway? like it pulls to the right, but not all the time? or it's road camber sensitive? that's how mine was when the tie rod wore out.
I'd bet tie rods, when you wiggle the right front wheel can you see movement between the tie rod and the steering knuckle? Tie rods are pretty easy to replace, and not too expensive, but you will need an alignment afterwards.
Does the car almost wander on the highway? like it pulls to the right, but not all the time? or it's road camber sensitive? that's how mine was when the tie rod wore out.
Its completely numb at dead center on the highway, and any snag in the road will cause it to go one way or the other.
Most wheel bearings I've replaced on other cars had a whooshing sound that went away when I turned.. This isn't the case this time, so I didn't think in that direction.
I hope its the tie rod, the steering column sounds expensive and I JUST had the subframe off.
The steering column can be replaced with the subframe in the car, it'll come out the drivers foot well.
Have you personally gotten under the car to inspect the hardware associated with the job that was just done? I would make sure everything is tight, and give the car a shake down.
If the steering wheel has dead slack in it even when stationary you're likely in for a steering spindle. It's only two bolts and a bit of contorting, should only take you about an hour. We've got them in stock if you end up needing one: Steering spindle
Here is a video of my steering wheel. Is it the same kind of play you are talking about? Not sure if there is something loose or I have to replace something.
Yea I think I use to have a clunk noise in the beginning. Yours may just begin to fail. I still have to do some more research as to what is causing it.
When I'm facing the passenger front rotor, it moves at the CV drive axle forward and back. Does that mean it's done? I don't have any chatter or grinding like I've read about when these things go. That's the only play I can feel, other than at the wheel.
If the steering wheel has play you might need to replace the steering column. My car has the same problem. This is the part I think needs to be replaced. I remember reading it only came in RHD, and you would have to do some modifications to make it fit, but hopefully ECS Tuning can answer that. I'm waiting until its warmer, so I can tackle this myself. For the front right wheel did you check the bearings?
Yep, thats the LHD one, MINI had a sort of these for some time and they were using the RHD version ones and swapping them until the supplier could make up the LHD ones. 32306870777
https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/32306870777/
Figured it out.. the mechanic who replaced a bunch of front end parts didn't tighten down the bolts holding down the steering shaft, or so he describes it. Makes sense, it was progressively getting looser. I'm glad I don't have to spend $500+, just had to tighten a few bolts and the drunken wandering is gone.
The wondering and loose steering is gone, but after a couple days of driving I still have a CLUNK when turning the wheel, not every time - but especially when first starting car. Mild bump steer in either direction when I hit a manhole cover. Mechanic and I confirm, nothing is loose.
Figured it out.. the mechanic who replaced a bunch of front end parts didn't tighten down the bolts holding down the steering shaft, or so he describes it. Makes sense, it was progressively getting looser. I'm glad I don't have to spend $500+, just had to tighten a few bolts and the drunken wandering is gone.
Thaks for the update, sorry to hear about the shotty work.
Thaks for the update, sorry to hear about the shotty work.
Any idea what a clunk would be with no loose steering components? I cant say for sure thats its coming from one side.. Maybe bearing? I was going with lower steering shaft but the steering wheel returns to center without "binding" sound I've read about. Maybe time for a new mechanic to check it out.
The outer clunks are usually the outer ball joints on the tie rod ends. I have replaced mine a couple times but I have over 273K miles on my 2005. 32116777521 Left & 32116777522
Didn't have time to stop by mechanic this week.. So I'm still underneath trying to identify where the slack is coming from. I think having a second person at the steering wheel would help greatly. Anyone spot anything from my crappy video? Everything seems pretty tight.
Found part of the problem(s). The bolts for the new ball joints had loosened.. I retorqued them and it looks like the mechanic used the original OEM bolts, which are covered in grease. I retightened them and if they back out again I'll use locktite.
The bolts from Way's kit shows nuts on the end of the bolts. Mine currently dont have nuts, they just go in the threaded holes (in the subframe? Control arms? You can see them in the video I posted).
ESC, you were right, there's still some play in the tie rod. I'll check out the inner pivot bushing next. I think I've got multiple issues at once.
Replaced both inner/outer tie rods, and the bump steer and wandering is gone! There's still a little play in right wheel, feels like outer ball joint. Man, no wonder it was so hard to track down the play, everything was moving!
To summarize: Loose steering shaft bolts, loose inner ball joint bolts, replaced both inner/outer ball joints, replaced both inner/outer tie rods, and replaced both control arm bushings. New tires installed today and alignment tomorrow.. should be nice and buttoned down now!
Looks like the inner ball joint to me. had my car up in the air the other day trying to replace the LCA, there was absolutely no play in the inner ball joint, I see plenty in your video.
Do you get that same noise when the wheel is removed and you try the side to side with the rotor?
Last edited by gumbedamit; 04-04-2017 at 09:36 AM.
02-11-2017, 07:05 PM
