steering column cracking noise

[minimonkey]

Hello Mini People,

Just a quick one - My steering column has just started making a cracking noise when full locking round corners??

I have taken the steering column apart and I can see any problems?? Any ideas?

I have just had the steering rack gator replaced two weeks ago...

[Neil8p]

It might be your cv joints rather than the steering column. Try driving slowly in reverse on full lock and listen for clicking from the wheels.

[minimonkey]

Just had them replaced as-well... as it failed its M.O.T on that and the Gator...

I just tried your suggestion, it seems to crack through the column and not just on full lock... It happens on any change in direction... when moving slowly

??

[rww]

Check the following:-

Tightness of securing bolts for top of n/s and o/s subframe towers.
Same for the lower rear subframe to body
same for front subframe to body.

If no luck with above, disconnect steering tie rod ends and then turn the steering wheel and see if noise is still there. If it is, then it is within the column and rack, if not then within the suspension/subframe assembly.
Best of luck.

[rww]

And another thought :-

The rack is fixed to the floor by two upturned ubolts, the nuts of which are under the front floor carpets. If these are a bit loose the rack will move when lock applied. Lift carpets, apply 1/2" socket to the four nuts and check for tightness.

[timelord]

Try the pinchbolt at the bottom of the column, quite often works loose, can eventually wreck the splines on the inner shaft loosing all steering.

[Cooper1999]

If its more of a sharp 'creak' than a 'crack' (technical terms these!), I may have that too - let us know if you find the cause - I haven't yet!
I'm nott too sure, but I think there was a letter/article on this in a not too distant mini mag. Unfortunately I don't buy them regularly.

[minimonkey]

Parts Required to fix it

1 x New Steering Rack
1 x New steering Column

Apparently the at some point the steering on my mini has jammed and ripped all the teeth from the steering rack...

SC parts sorted me out all the parts, Inner Column and Rack with every thing i need to replace the lot for 165 British pounds...

Thanks Neil


Right....on top the next problem...

How I Love My Mini's....!!!