7 replies to this topic

[minimee]

Hi,

I have loads of play with my steering wheel, it moves from 12 0clock to 6 0clock without the
road wheels moving!

Any ideas

Could it be the inner steering column + pinch bolt which I tightened and made it better for a bit

or

Could it be steering rack?

Please help

[BiMU]

Have you added a lowering bracket recently?

Maybe try jacking up the mini and turning the wheels look for play. Mine ended up being the steering column!

[minimee]

Have you added a lowering bracket recently?

Maybe try jacking up the mini and turning the wheels look for play. Mine ended up being the steering column!

Hi, Thanks for your reply - there is no play at the wheels, just at the steering wheel!

Is it easy to take the steering column out?

And how much do you think it would be to replace? :'(

[Guess-Works.com]

1. if it moves that much without turning the wheel, it's *swearword* dangerous, you basically have no control over the vehicle, the slightest play would make an MOT man consider failing it.

2. it could be both steering rack and column, and I would remove certainly the column to find out what's the issue..

3. Please, PLEASE don't drive it.

[BiMU]

3. Please, PLEASE don't drive it.

I concur!

There has been loads of threads with VERY close calls. To get the column off take out the pinch bolt at the bottom, take out the shear bolt that holds the column to the under-rail and disconnect the connections for ignition etc... then wiggle up slow, careful not to smack your face with the steering wheel. Should take about 20mins depending if you can get the shear bolt out quick enough. Then check the teeth on the inside of the column and the teeth on the rack. Chances are the column teeth are worn, as the rack splines are a tad stronger. Anyone correct me if need be!

Edited by BiMU, 12 December 2006 - 01:24 PM.

[minimee]

1. if it moves that much without turning the wheel, it's *swearword* dangerous, you basically have no control over the vehicle, the slightest play would make an MOT man consider failing it.

2. it could be both steering rack and column, and I would remove certainly the column to find out what's the issue..

3. Please, PLEASE don't drive it.

Thanks for your help!!

Will not drive the car until the problem is fixed.

Lossed all my hair getting car home, white knuckle ride home

CHEERS

[minimee]

3. Please, PLEASE don't drive it.

I concur!

There has been loads of threads with VERY close calls. To get the column off take out the pinch bolt at the bottom, take out the shear bolt that holds the column to the under-rail and disconnect the connections for ignition etc... then wiggle up slow, careful not to smack your face with the steering wheel. Should take about 20mins depending if you can get the shear bolt out quick enough. Then check the teeth on the inside of the column and the teeth on the rack. Chances are the column teeth are worn, as the rack splines are a tad stronger. Anyone correct me if need be!

Thanks for your help!

I will let you know how I get on

Weekend job one thinks!!

[fikus01]

suspect the splined gone on the rack where it meets the column. inside the column will probably be very smooth!! make sure the rack is actually tight too!! and if you find nothing take an extra pair of pants with you!! :S:S

Edited by fikus01, 13 December 2006 - 01:53 AM.