[MiniDoug]

I have read other threads on steering failures and I am going to take my car to the dealer in the morning....

I just wanted to see if anyone else had similar symptoms and how to approach the dealer!

The fault only happens when the car is cold and has seemed to get worse over the past couple of weeks.

When I start the car and reverse it out of the driveway turning the wheel to the left, there is a sensation of normal assistance for most of the turning of the wheel, then the steering gets imperceptibly lighter for a split second then returns to normal. When turning the wheel to the right again to drive off forward, a similar feel arises, then everything returns to normal.

I managed to replicate this this morning when I drove off very slowly with a bit of creep, foot slightly on the brakes, turning the wheel briskly left and right.... there seemed to be a knocking coming through the wheel.... not a noise but a sensation.

Is this likely to be a rack or a column failure....

I'd appreciate your input on this one as it is spoiling my ownership/driving experience at the mo..... I'm also worried that my dealer will try to fob me off and tell me there is nothing wrong when there obviously is!!

Doug

[Tonyt3]

Hi MiniDoug,
Please read this thread. I have had the same sensation as you, and although described as 'knocking' thru the wheel, there is no noise associated with this knocking, just a feeling thru the steering wheel at slow speeds, also felt while reversing, especially when car is cold. My post number 53 on this thread should match your symptoms specifically i think.... Hope this helps



http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...5&page=1&pp=15

[S33BBY]

I think I've got a similar thing on my 4 week old MINI One, but I thought it was just because I've got big wheels and low-profile tyres (17" R85s with 205/45 tyres). It's very difficult to explain. My 'problem' may be very different to yours. Sometimes (only when I'm going slowly) I notice the feel of the steering changes. It will feel normal and then sort of feel as if it's slipping, if that makes any sense. Also, if I go over a hole in the road, I can really feel it through the steering in that the steering wheel actually moves a lot. This may not be relevant though and just may be due to the low-profile tyres.

[MiniDoug]

No my sensation is the same as Tony's, and I will be going to the dealer armed with this info tomorrow, as it really does spoil the enjoyment of the car, was not there a month ago and is getting worse.... looks like I will be asking them to replace the spindle..... and while I'm there I will be asking them for the v36.1 upgrade to sort out transmission stumble on the CVT

Thanks Tony btw!

[S33BBY]

Well I hope you get it sorted MiniDoug.

So what do you think about my 'problem'? Is it likely that it's just because of the low-profiles? I certainly don't have a knock, but the wheels feel as if they 'slip' sometimes when I'm slowing down and turning...

[MiniDoug]

Mine actaully does this slipping feeling too.... I have a feeling that the symptoms amy be related!

[S33BBY]

Quote: Originally Posted by MiniDoug

Mine actaully does this slipping feeling too.... I have a feeling that the symptoms amy be related!

Oh dear, I didn't want to have a problem this soon!

I think maybe I'll get my Dad to drive it and see what he thinks. He's got a Cooper so he'll know if it feels wrong.