19 replies to this topic

[metalminis]

Hi there,
I havr recently encounered a very odd problem with my 93 Sprite.
Occasionally when steering the wheel becomes really stiff, almost to the point of being immovable and the clutch pedal tries to lift itself up. Im guessing that the steering rack is somehow interfering with the clutch pedal linkage.
Does anyone now what it could be or how to sort it out?

It might help to know that my suspension is currently slightly shafted, so would the fact that the car is lower than it should be cuase any problems like Im getting?

Also one other thing. My back right hand side tail light has gone out Its not the bulb because the brake light still works, so the fuse is gone. Does anyone know which fuse it is. I have the four block fusebox and the inlines. I have a feeling it is one of the inline fuses, but I've checked all the ones I can find and they are all ok.

Thanks everyone

[Pavel]

Don't ask me bout the taillights since mine do the same (but on mine both dont work). Electrics can drive anybody insane.

As for the other problem, i have no idea how it may interfere with the clutch, but have you maybe lowered your steering column? If so you should have slackened the bolt at the bottom of the rack and then retightened it once lowered I think. If not you'll get a binding rack!

[metalminis]

No I havent lowered it, and it hasnt been lowered by the previous owner as its still on the orginal bracket. This is why I wondered if the knackered suspension may be the cause? If the column is lower than it should be, maybe its catching on something?

[Woody]

I may be barking up the wrong tree but have you checked that the carpet is being "wound onto " the steering colum , this could pull on the cluth pedal .
As for the rear light it could be the bulb as they are double filament and one can blow independantly of the other .
Worth a check :grin:

[metalminis]

I did replace the bulb, but I'll check again anyway, and no its not the carpet. Ive pulled it all away and the problem is still there. It going to a garage on wednesday to see if they can see whats going on.
Cheers for all your help!

[Bluemini]

I had the carpet problem once, took weeks to figure it out!!

Sounds like your rack has had it, but dont know why it would affect the clutch tho.

Thr only other think I can think of is that maybe one of your subframe or engine mounts is shot and causein movement and maybe interfering with the clutch arm??

Good luck mate, hope you get it sorted. Tell us what it was if you no...

[metalminis]

will do!

[TimS]

have u checkecd all ur conections to ur lights, r u cetting voltage/current?

[metalminis]

thats my job for tonight ) as long as its not too cold and wet

[metalminis]

Well the guy in the garage seemed to think it might be the subframe mounts, so he had a look and the bottom front o/s mount was shot. £80 later and he fitted a new one. My bank balance has shrunk, but at leat my steering works now!

[Woody]

If that is all he did you were robbed !!! those front mounts cost under a fiver !
And it is only a 10 min job to change , the pair of them !
He must be charging somthing like £450 an hour !!

[metalminis]

according to the bill, the parts were something like £10 and the labour was 70.
This is why I've now decided to do all the work my self!!!

[TimS]

ouch thats pricy,if u need any help just ask

[metalminis]

any help is much appreciated, as Im not very mechanicly minded.

where abouts are you?

[David_J]

Is it worth putting a spreadsheet on the site with details of people willing to help other members in person (with their mini !) and their location.

There was a post a while back listing peoples locations but it would be good to be able to get together with local enthusiasts!

Good Idea?