6 replies to this topic

[Pelvisgt]

I noticed today that when parking up the steering was creeking when turning,

When stationary if I turn the wheel it makes a creeking noise,

Would this be a simple fix of a bushing or something more sinister ?

Thanks :)

1987 classic mini 1275

[cal844]

Check the rack 'U' bolts are tight(the ones under the carpet) and the column pinch bolt

Edited by cal844, 25 April 2014 - 08:31 PM.

[Pelvisgt]

Ok will have a look in the morning :)

[Vipernoir]

Could be one of the plastic bushes in the column.

 

Check the pinch bolt as well though.

[tiger99]

It could also be the front subframe mounts, if the car is post 1976 with the rubber mounts, or if it has been fitted with poly mounts, the design of which is unacceptable. Or, the toeboard could be cracked in the area of the rack mounts and subframe mounts. Not a terribly difficult repair, but it does need to be welded. You can check for cracking while doing the rack nuts and pinch bolt checks, it only needs the carpet to be lifted. Checking the mounts is somewhat more tedious, as they usually look ok, even if the rubber and metal have seperated, but viewing from underneath while someone else turns the steering wheel back and forth will reveal any unwanted movement, and probably convince you to fit a full solid mount kit.

 

If the creaking has started following the installation of a steering drop bracket, or removal and refitting of the column for some other reason, you really MUST have the column out, and check the condition of the splines, reassembling and realigning the rack following the official procedure if all is well. Spline failure is number one killer in a Mini, and it only happens when the correct procedures are not followed exactly. But it has been happening since about 1960, and may be on the increase again, as what was once common knowledge gets forgotten.

 

It is probably not any of those things, but I have mentioned them just in case, and if you do have a rubber mounted subframe, you will experience broken mounts sooner or later, so best to be aware of the possibility.

[Pelvisgt]

Thanks guys for the detailed reply :)

Will check those things also :)

[TMW.Racing]

I noticed today that when parking up the steering was creeking when turning,

When stationary if I turn the wheel it makes a creeking noise,

Would this be a simple fix of a bushing or something more sinister ?

Thanks :)

1987 classic mini 1275

 

HI Pelvisgt, having similar problems - did you get to the bottom of the cause of your's? Cheers