03MCS I think my rack is going but since it's a mini I'm not sure . I can feel that the steering isn't as smooth as it used to be when turning and after making a turn the steering wheel doesn't return smoothly like it used to .
I've felt bad racks before but this feels more like steering geometry to me although I checked the front end well and all looks good . There's also a slight intermitten pull to the left while driving
I did replace the drivers side drive axle a few weeks ago but the problem just started a couple of days ago . Could the pump be causing this
Any help or suggestions appreciated

 

Maybe check for binding in the universal joint on the steering shaft where it connects the upper and lower shafts together in the engine bay. There have been a number of those that go bad.

 

Mine rusted up an started to lock up feeling when I would turn.

 

Awesome guys . Thank you, I'll check tomorrow in the am
Do you know if the u joints available seperatly or is it necessary to replace the whole shaft

 

The whole assembly.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2002-2008-MINI-
COOPER-R50-R53-R52-STEERING-COLUMN-LINKAGE-SHAFT-LOWER-COUPLING-/264270881741?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m25 48.l6249&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

 

Could be bad geometry…

have u done the steering system refresh yet? How may miles?

take out subframe, replace all ball joints, bushings and bearings. Reinstall subframe. Good to go

only if you plan to keep the car…

while you have the subframe out you could do a few more items

almost forgot…tie rods

 

It has 160k . About 6 most ago I installed a new clutch and while it was apart I replace all suspension parts except tie rods. I don't see how tie rods would cause this or am I wrong

 

The rods fail to keep geometry as they get old. They have ball joints in them.

 

Is there a brand of tie rod you'd recommend

 

Also check the upper strut mounts to see if they are binding or rusted to shocks.

 

Strut mounts. Good thinking.

re the rods, I’d go to fcp and try and find OE replacement.

can find deals that way and they have a lifetime warranty. Buy it once

 

I replaced the struts approximately 2 years ago but I'll check to be sure . I still haven't had a chance to check the steering ujoint and to be honest I'm not sure how to do that. Tie rods seem to be ok there's no play in the steering.

Last night I started getting a drift to the right if I let go of the steering wheel at highway speeds last time it was to the left so I'm suspecting the steering ujoint

 

Have you checked the subframe rear bushings? They can cause the pull to xx when accel/decel.