10 replies to this topic

[BaronVonchesto]

Hi all,

 

I have a weird problem. Recently decided to change my steering wheel to the first gen clubman one. My steering has always had a bit of play, but i think I may have a bigger problem that I just never realised up to now.

 

My problem is that when I have the wheels nice and centred (car drives dead straight), I fit the steering wheel on. But as a drive the car, the position of "centre" on the steering wheel seems to drift a bit. If i turn the wheels all the way to the right, then centre the wheels again, the steering will be positioned off centre to the right slightly (as much as 5 o clock). Similarly, if i turn the wheels all the way to the left, the steering will be positioned off centre to the left slightly (as much as 7 o clock). No matter how much i keep readjusting the steering it always seems to drift based on driving.

 

The steering wheel has splines that fits on the the rack properly and im certain the nut is tightened down sufficiently, which leads me to think theres a problem with my rack.

 

Where should I look to solve this problem?

[imack]

Check the pinch bolt and splines at the bottom of the steering column where it bolts to the rack. You'll need to remove the column to inspect the splines. Any movement here usually wrecks the steering column splines and you need to replace the inner column.
Also check the rack mounting bolts are tight, and if your car has a rubber mounted front subframe make sure all the subframe mounts are in good condition.

Edited by imack, 24 October 2018 - 04:11 AM.

[Retroman]

You need someone sat in the car and jack one side up or have the car on a lift 

 

With the steering wheel moving left and right very small amounts look for where there is play

 

wheel bearings - trackrod ends - steering rack arms - rack to body

 

IF its non of them it must be inside the rack or the pinch bolt at the bottom of the columb, assuming the steering wheel is fixed tight

 

You can try the same method on the drivers side on your own...window down and watch the front wheel...

 

as soon as you move the steering wheel the front wheel should move - zero play

[BaronVonchesto]

You need someone sat in the car and jack one side up or have the car on a lift 

 

With the steering wheel moving left and right very small amounts look for where there is play

 

wheel bearings - trackrod ends - steering rack arms - rack to body

 

IF its non of them it must be inside the rack or the pinch bolt at the bottom of the columb, assuming the steering wheel is fixed tight

 

You can try the same method on the drivers side on your own...window down and watch the front wheel...

 

as soon as you move the steering wheel the front wheel should move - zero play

 

Hmm good idea! Will need to get help from a mate or a garage to lift the car and observe where the play is occurring. There is definitely some play in the steering.

[InnoCooperExport]

FYI chaps this is about a modern BMW Clubman with power steering. I'm guessing by First Gen Clubman One you refer to the R55. Although the points about track rod ends and wheel bearings are valid points the rack to body u-bolts, or the pinch bolt at the bottom of the column aren't really a thing here. The issue could even in the power steering system, I've read all sorts of issues with the the old R50-R53 power steering pumps being unreliable, but then I don't see either how that could cause your described problems. 

[nicklouse]

FYI chaps this is about a modern BMW Clubman with power steering. I'm guessing by First Gen Clubman One you refer to the R55. Although the points about track rod ends and wheel bearings are valid points the rack to body u-bolts, or the pinch bolt at the bottom of the column aren't really a thing here. The issue could even in the power steering system, I've read all sorts of issues with the the old R50-R53 power steering pumps being unreliable, but then I don't see either how that could cause your described problems. 

??

 

nope Mini clubman.

[Retroman]

if it's a bini I'm washing my hands...

[BaronVonchesto]

FYI chaps this is about a modern BMW Clubman with power steering. I'm guessing by First Gen Clubman One you refer to the R55. Although the points about track rod ends and wheel bearings are valid points the rack to body u-bolts, or the pinch bolt at the bottom of the column aren't really a thing here. The issue could even in the power steering system, I've read all sorts of issues with the the old R50-R53 power steering pumps being unreliable, but then I don't see either how that could cause your described problems. 

 

errr no... I drive a 1976 mk4 saloon. I merely changed the steering wheel from the mk4 one to the 1ast gen clubman one (looks similar to the 1275 GT steering wheel)

[BaronVonchesto]

if it's a bini I'm washing my hands...

 

funny you should say that, because in this part of the world the word "bini" is slang for wife... Its very common for Mini enthusiasts here to go round saying "Mini my 2nd bini" and the like 

[SolarB]

My car had a simmilar problem, turned out to be the rack sliding from side to side. I centralised the steering and tightened the rack U bolts.

[InnoCooperExport]

Hi all,

 

I have a weird problem. Recently decided to change my steering wheel to the first gen clubman one. 

 do'h! I do apologise. My brain scanned first gen clubman one and turned that into first gen Clubman One. Sorry about that one.