12 replies to this topic

[Minicarter]

Hello,

 

How much free play in the steering wheel would you consider normal for a Mini? I can turn the wheel about 30-40 degrees on mine with the car standing still before feeling any major resistance from the wheels. The car is a 1987 City.

 

The track rod ends are new and I have checked that the connection between the column and rack is tight.

 

Thanks in advance. 

[SolarB]

Movement of the front sub-frame also accounts for some play in the system, particularly if the mounting rubbers are deteriorating.

Also, it's worth while to check the rack is tightly bolted to the toe board.

 

.

[smurfomatic]

May be worn splines on the steering column. Had this issue recently - when it got to the point where only the pinch bolt was holding the column on, I was halfway round a roundabout!

[sonikk4]

Hello,

 

How much free play in the steering wheel would you consider normal for a Mini? I can turn the wheel about 30-40 degrees on mine with the car standing still before feeling any major resistance from the wheels. The car is a 1987 City.

 

The track rod ends are new and I have checked that the connection between the column and rack is tight.

 

Thanks in advance. 

 

First thing is safety, don't drive the car like this (thats if it is on the rd)

 

Now i would be disconnecting the steering column from the rack and have a look at the splines. Thats the biggest potential failure area especially if the pinch bolt has been loose. Other things to check are the steering rack 'U' clamps to make sure they are tight.

 

And as mentioned, things like subbie mounts as well.

[Minicarter]

Thanks for the quick replies.

 

The car's not on the road at the moment so I'll make sure I get this sorted before it is.

 

I am fairly confident that the splines are good as I have checked this out before, but I’ll take another look to be sure. Also, I have checked the U-bolts and they are tight and the rack feels solid to the car.

 

Could this indicate a worn rack? Should the steering wheel feel fairy solid when stationary?

[SolarB]

If you suspect a worn rack or track rod ends jack the front end up, grab a front wheel and move it side to side. Any play in the track rod ends or rack should become apparent as there will be movement of the road wheel before the steering wheel turns.

[sonscar]

With rack and pinion more than 5 mm is excessive.As much movement as you describe should be very obvious but a helper is most likely needed.I would start at the steering wheel and move down.Good hunting,Steve..

[MiniMadRacer]

Check the Steering Arms to the Hubs too.. even lock tabbed I have had these come loose on a racer

[Spider]

,,, I can turn the wheel about 30-40 degrees on mine with the car standing still before feeling any major resistance from the wheels.

 

You need to actually check if you are getting a Steering Angle Change, there is always some movement of the steering wheel before any resistance is felt, mostly because the tyres usually need to have a bit of angle on them before they 'bite', but since you are asking about this, it seems you have some doubts about it.

 

Maybe work back from the other end, jack the car up, one side at at time, grab the wheel at 9 and 3 O'clock, shake it, If there's play, you'll usually feel it, but you also need to look too to see if there's excessive movement that's in the various rubbers, if you have an assistant, it will make this much easier.
 

[cal844]

You will find it may be easier to feel at the wheels with the steering lock engaged. I suspect the rack end has wear

[Minicarter]

Hi all,

 

I have finally found time to check out the areas you suggested and found the following:

 

• The track rod ends are good.
• The rack is solidly mounted.
• The steering arms are solid.
• When holding the road wheels the play in the steering wheel is reduced to about 5mm.
• The pinch bolt is tight and the shaft from the rack is rotating directly in sync with the column so I am not concerned about the splines.

There is however quite an obvious knocking noise when turning the wheel initially, see the below video.

 

https://youtu.be/Q0WzhLFWRGA

 

I can only conclude that this has to be wear in the rack. Would you agree? If so, is this fairly normal or should it be addressed immediately?

 

Thanks,

 

Simon.

[sonscar]

Sounds like wear in the passenger side rack bush,probably best to exchange rack.Steve..

[Spider]

It does sound like it could be the rack.

Do you get a knocking on acceleration, then going to brakes and on bumps in the road ?

 

If so, then as soncar suggests above, that's most likely the bush in the non-business end of the rack - it's a somewhat common issue.

 

There's a guide here on overhauling racks - they are not difficult.