23 replies to this topic

[DarcyMini]

 

Hi everyone,

I noticed recently that I got some play in both wheels when rocking the wheels from side to side. Is this normal? Attached a video

It is a mini 1.3 MPI 1996
https://drive.google...ew?usp=drivesdk

Thanks in advance

 

That Rack has had it !!

I doubt you'd even be able to overhaul it.

 

Afraid of that as well, but I will do those things mentioned above and see :)

 

Watching it again and it looks like you need to check your suspension bushes too.

Dumb question but... How can you tell? :)

[68+86auto]

 

 

Hi everyone,

I noticed recently that I got some play in both wheels when rocking the wheels from side to side. Is this normal? Attached a video

It is a mini 1.3 MPI 1996
https://drive.google...ew?usp=drivesdk

Thanks in advance

 

That Rack has had it !!

I doubt you'd even be able to overhaul it.

 

Afraid of that as well, but I will do those things mentioned above and see :)

 

Watching it again and it looks like you need to check your suspension bushes too.

Dumb question but... How can you tell? :)

 

 

Check that they aren't cracked. There appeared to be movement in the lower arm.

 

 

 

With the play is it very easy to move? I just want to make sure that you aren't just moving the steering side to side in the range that a locked column allows. I have just watched the video with sound and the noise doesn't sound like normal wear, I do think it could be the lock. Turn on the key to a position which allows the steering to be turned, is the play the same?

Edited by 68+86auto, 11 January 2024 - 12:49 PM.

[Midas Mk1]

Advise I can give is get someone who knows what they are doing to assess the vehicle for you. If you cant determine where the play is coming from through feel, you shouldn't be guessing or driving  on something so safety critical. 

[DarcyMini]

 

 

 

Hi everyone,

I noticed recently that I got some play in both wheels when rocking the wheels from side to side. Is this normal? Attached a video

It is a mini 1.3 MPI 1996
https://drive.google...ew?usp=drivesdk

Thanks in advance

 

That Rack has had it !!

I doubt you'd even be able to overhaul it.

 

Afraid of that as well, but I will do those things mentioned above and see :)

 

Watching it again and it looks like you need to check your suspension bushes too.

Dumb question but... How can you tell? :)

 

 

Check that they aren't cracked. There appeared to be movement in the lower arm.

 

 

 

With the play is it very easy to move? I just want to make sure that you aren't just moving the steering side to side in the range that a locked column allows. I have just watched the video with sound and the noise doesn't sound like normal wear, I do think it could be the lock. Turn on the key to a position which allows the steering to be turned, is the play the same?

 

I see! 

Hmm that is true, I will try that as well! A lot to do for the weekend
 

 

Advise I can give is get someone who knows what they are doing to assess the vehicle for you. If you cant determine where the play is coming from through feel, you shouldn't be guessing or driving  on something so safety critical. 

The reason why I checked this was that the swedish equivalent of MOT said that the gaiter was cracked but no comment regarding the steering rack or anything like that (they check that as well along with the suspension etc) and it passed its MOT. So it is safe to drive but I when I got around to change the gaiter I noticed this and thought I could look into it myself and at the same time learn something

[sonscar]

You really need two people.One jiggles the wheel to and fro whilst you look and feel for where the play is or is not.Ideally the wheels on the ground as that is the position most likely to wear.Singleton MOT places in the UK have shaker plates to simulate this.Steve..

[Cooperman]

You need to get this checked before driving it again.

One thing not mentioned is what happens if one wheel is held firmly and the other wheel moved, if it will. If the other wheel still moves it is probably the end bush on the LH end of the rack. If the other wheel wont move it will be the rack itself or a worn pinion bush in the rack.

You also seem to need lower arm bushes as there is movement there as well.

Dropping the front sub-frame is not difficult, but two trolley jacks are a big help.

Make sure that nothing which connects to body and sub-frame is still connected, although fuel pipe can be OK. Look as you drop the back of the frame to make sure nothing is going to snap.

I have visited your home town at this time of the year - it's blooming cold!

[DarcyMini]

You really need two people.One jiggles the wheel to and fro whilst you look and feel for where the play is or is not.Ideally the wheels on the ground as that is the position most likely to wear.Singleton MOT places in the UK have shaker plates to simulate this.Steve..

Will try this!

 

You need to get this checked before driving it again.

One thing not mentioned is what happens if one wheel is held firmly and the other wheel moved, if it will. If the other wheel still moves it is probably the end bush on the LH end of the rack. If the other wheel wont move it will be the rack itself or a worn pinion bush in the rack.

You also seem to need lower arm bushes as there is movement there as well.

Dropping the front sub-frame is not difficult, but two trolley jacks are a big help.

Make sure that nothing which connects to body and sub-frame is still connected, although fuel pipe can be OK. Look as you drop the back of the frame to make sure nothing is going to snap.

I have visited your home town at this time of the year - it's blooming cold!

I see, will try those things you mentioned!
Yeah, I found the workshop manual and as you said the subframe was not a difficult just a quite a few steps :)
You mean my hometown? last week it was almost -20 C 

[coopertaz]

You really need two people.One jiggles the wheel to and fro whilst you look and feel for where the play is or is not.Ideally the wheels on the ground as that is the position most likely to wear.Singleton MOT places in the UK have shaker plates to simulate this.Steve..

agree that you need two people but please avoid shaker plates, have you ever watched the stress your suspension is put under using these i did once!! now go to a place where they use hand checks.

[sonscar]

Just like driving at speed on our well maintained roads then.Steve..