More detail in my full build thread:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4536856

Here’s the deal - Bought her with what I thought was a failing (but not all the way dead) power steering pump.

The was very stiff when stationary, but fine while cruising. The pump was especially whiny compared to my last R53, and the resistance was constant through the range of motion of the wheels. Meaning there were no points in the rotation that were more difficult than others (which would make me think it was a steering rack issue, instead of pump).

No problem I thought. So I replaced the pump with a new (remanufactured) Bosch unit. Cleaned and replaced all the clamps on both power steering hoses, and replaced the reservoir which was leaking.

Reassembled all with with new CHF 11s fluid, and yet the steering is still a little stiff.

it’s MUCH better than before. there’s no pump whine and no leaks, but it’s still fairly stiff when at very low speed (under 10mph) and the wheel won’t turn back to center if you let go while driving at those slow speeds.

The steering column looks fine and not inhibited in any way.

The universal joint connecting the shaft to rack doesn’t look like it’s binding at all, and I lubed it a bit just in case.

My next thought is an issue with the rack, but I wanted to ask advice before dropping the subframe again.

Running out of ideas!

thanks
Trag

 

Sounds pretty normal to me. I've always thought that the "power" in MINI power steering was a bit overrated as my R53 suffers the same issue as yours. You'll never get the easy steering feel of say, a Lincoln Towncar.

 

Did you bleed the system?

 

Yeah I have started to think it may just be normal after reading more threads about the R53 steering feel. I gotta say though I've driven my share of R53s and I still think mine is currently noticeably stiffer than the others. It might just be a wait and see if it gets worse kind of game for me now - I'd just hate to kill a new pump because of some other stressor that I'm not addressing.

I did. Both without any load on the tires while it was still up on jack stands, and again while driving at slow speeds. The level dropped from Max to nearly empty in the reservoir the first time on jack stands. When driving on the road the level didn't drop any further.

Thanks for the thought

 

This should absolutely not be happening, in any car. Something's wrong - seems like the steering rack is a good possibility given the sump leakage over time that you cited in your main thread. If it was running dry on a regular basis, it's probably toast. It also could be something hanging up or grossly out of whack imposing negative caster, or something seized due to the crustiness like in that second photograph of the old control arm (you did replace it right?).

If it isn't jumping out at you, maybe throw $200 at a good B&A shop to find out what's up(?). Then do the work yourself of course.

 

Only thing i can think of is the steering column U joint itself. https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/stock-problems-issues/315299-diy-lower-steering-column-replacement-any-tips.html

https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2005-Cooper-R53-S-Coupe-L4_1.6L_W11B16A/Steering/Column/