14 replies to this topic

[lee1293]

Why is it that the steering column/wheel doesn't feel like its the the centre of the driving position?

Is this just the nature of the mini or is there a way to fix this?

[kcchan]

Just the way they are. They're all like it. Unless you're like me, build a race car, then you can add some Universal Joints to move it over for the perfect driving position.

[skoughi]

I've tried to do something, maybe not very succesfully though. It was pointed out to me that a steering column u.j. from a fiesta has the same splines as the shaft coming out of the mini rack. I bought one off ebay and fitted it to a slightly shortened mini column. This enabled me to slide the column over to the right and line the center of the steering wheel with the center of the seat. However this means that the wheel isn't parrallel with the seat anymore (if you know what I mean). I think what I need to do is try and get hold of the whole fiesta (I think it's a mk4 but not sure) column so I have two U.J.'s then adapt it onto the top end of the mini column so I can use the original switches etc but then can move the column over to the right and have the wheel parrallel to the seat. However this probably opens a can of worms regarding making a new set of brackets and mounting system for a very important part of the car! Will it be safe and strong enough and could it cause problems with the MOT. I currently have a small diameter steering wheel and I think if I had a larger wheel it wouldn't be so obvious. Also I'm not sure if all the extra work is worth it but then it's one of those things you would need to have a go at just to see if it could be done!

[tiger99]

If you engineer the supports properly, as I am sure you will (it will feel solid, not floppy, when you try to wiggle the wheel sideways and up and down), then it should be perfectly ok for the MOT. But try not to have too much rigid metal in front of the driver's legs etc, and definitely no sharp edges, as it is one more thing to damage you in the event of an accident. If it is enclosd by some kind of cowling, that helps.

[Tamworthbay]

If you think a mini is out, try an MGB. The middle of the wheel sits to the middle of my left leg if that makes sense. Strangely I don't notice it at all when driving. But if you think about it it seems strange. The worst I have ever driven was a Daimler Ferret. That was so far out it was ridiculous.

[tiger99]

I seem to remember that the Triumph Herald was completely wonky, pedals to one side, steering wheel to the other. Presumably the Spitfire was similar.

[JustSteve]

I seem to remember that the Triumph Herald was completely wonky, pedals to one side, steering wheel to the other. Presumably the Spitfire was similar.

Was going to say a tr6 is odd too. feet to the left and hands to the right

[sonikk4]

TVR Vixen. God awful steering position and the pedals were just as bad.

[charie t]

mercedes vito, left hand drive in germany, but they forgot to move the pedals and steering wheel for us

[mini93]

What about a peugeot 205, feels like you feet are 90 degs to the side if you, steerings central tho

Edited by mini93, 27 November 2012 - 09:00 PM.

[charie t]

What about a peugeot 205, feels like you feet are 90 degs to the side if you, steerings central tho

Mine is ok? so was my last one

[lee1293]

Least its not just me then. Most people wont notice it but I just pick up on the little things and its just something that annoys me from time to time.

[mini93]

What about a peugeot 205, feels like you feet are 90 degs to the side if you, steerings central tho

Mine is ok? so was my last one

just feels like how most cars seem centred between the wheel, just slightly off centre (but i cant remember which direction!)

[Craig89]

The mini is nothing compared to my mk2 escort, the wheel/column are angled towards the centre of the car, really weird first time I drove it. I do seem to remember the pedals being slightly off centre on the Peugeot 205/106 rallyes I used to own, but it was just how close together the pedals were that got me, especially as in the mini there miles apart

[Ethel]

Certainly with the earlier ones, and I don't think it ever changed, the whole driving position is "wonky". To get clearance from the wheel arches the pedals are inset & to keep the seat backs spaced for maximum shoulder width they are outset and angled to be in line with the pedals. The steering wheel is actually the one bit they could have put in square, but it's better design that it's square relative to the seat & pedals. I prefer it, it somehow places your focus on the road infront of you at the centreline of the car. Perhaps it's a little bit of the Mini magic: you perceive the road more as your Mini would, albeit with one of its eyes closed.