4 replies to this topic

[amendonny]

Hi,

I have a 1996 Mini Cooper 35 (SPI).

I recently lowered the front sub frame slightly and replaced the steering rack with a new one from Mini Spares as the old one had some play.

Everything is torqued back as it should be and car is driving fine - except there is now a light graunching & clicking sound coming from around the dashboard / toe board area. It only happens when car is moving... Rocking the car around doesn't trigger it and turning the steering doesn't cause it either.

Here is a video of it:
https://drive.google...ew?usp=drivesdk

I've inspected under the car and everything looks fine, also the sound doesn't happen when the wheels are turned by hand... So I suspect it must be something to do with the subframe or new rack?

Any help much appreciated! Thanks

[nicklouse]

Check the column is aligned correctly.

[sonikk4]

Now that you have your rack and steering column connected, loosen the two U clamps as you may have inadvertently put some misalignment in by not having everything aligned before you tightened it all.

[Spider]

After watching / listening to your video clip, I suspect the floor around the toeboard mounts for the subframe may be cracked.

[amendonny]

Loosened the nearside subframe Tower bolt, rocked the car around a bit then re-tightened it.

The noise has stopped 🤷‍♂️