MINI2

JG.26 · Oct 9th, 2004, 07:14 PM

Hi All,

Have noticed over the past couple of days that the steering on my S feels lighter! as if the power steering is working overtime! The car drives ok, turns, corners and is true on the straight ahead, so not sure if this is a problem or not. Will check tyre pressures in the morning, the run flat indicator isn't glowing so I dont think its a flat.

Anyone else had this??

Cheers

JG.26 · Oct 13th, 2004, 06:37 AM

Anyone?

Feels a little like the front wheels are in ice, very peculiar! have been using a tire shine after washing the car and was almost wondering if Ive put a build up of silicone on the tread by mistake, sounds daft I know. Tyre pressures are ok and the steering and tracking all feel ok, no drifting or pulling to the left or right and no steering knocks or clicks!
Have looked under the car and cant see anything bent. Any wise guesses out there?

OR is this a unique MINI prob??

Cheers

Rakey · Oct 13th, 2004, 08:23 AM

mine is like this, but thats because I need new tyres, whats the tread like, how many miles have you covered on your tyres?

JG.26 · Oct 13th, 2004, 12:25 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Rakey

mine is like this, but thats because I need new tyres, whats the tread like, how many miles have you covered on your tyres?

Hi Rakey,

Ermm have only 3700 miles, so probably got a good 5mm on the treads at the front.
Just feels a bit weird. I'm taking her in next Monday to have my bonnet stripes refitted so will ask them if they can check it out.

Cheers

Martin L · Oct 13th, 2004, 12:28 PM

Colder weather means tyres will take longer to warm up. Been alot of rain of late too so roads are more greasier.
This could all factor into "lighter" steering feel.
If your tyre pressures are low I'd expect the steering to feel heavier.

Rakey · Oct 13th, 2004, 05:53 PM

Martin is right, the temp takes time to warm up, I used to find this more so on the Pirelli Run Flats, thats why I binned them

Mine is all fixed now, nice new tyres put on this arvo, its feels great to throw the car into a corner and know I will come out the other side

JG.26 · Oct 13th, 2004, 07:04 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Rakey

Martin is right, the temp takes time to warm up, I used to find this more so on the Pirelli Run Flats, thats why I binned them

Mine is all fixed now, nice new tyres put on this arvo, its feels great to throw the car into a corner and know I will come out the other side

Thanks for your replies. Not sure if its a temperature thing, why has it started to do it now when a week ago all was fine even when the tyres were cold? I'm wondering whether something hads gone weird with the power steering or the column.

Rakey · Oct 13th, 2004, 07:11 PM

well get the dealer to check it, and we look forward to you getting it sorted and finding out the reason why

vagt6 · Oct 13th, 2004, 07:52 PM

Have you checked the power steering fluid?

Just a guess . . .

JG.26 · Oct 19th, 2004, 03:12 PM

Hello Peeps,

Thanks for all your replies. Had the steering etc checked out by the dealer yesterday and they can't find anything wrong, so I guess it's Pirelli runflats. Have only done just inder 4000 miles so would be surprised if it's because the tread is wearing low. Oh well ho hum.

Cheers

lukebuzzy · Oct 19th, 2004, 04:07 PM

I've got the Pirelli's too. Sometimes the steering feels light, sometimes its nice and heavy. Sometimes my MINI hugs the road, sometimes it feels unstable.

I need to check the pressure and let some air out and come, spring i'm selling them and getting some non-runflats.

Luke

roland2003 · Oct 20th, 2004, 01:49 PM

Assuming tracking is correct, sounds like too high tyre pressures. I run 26psi in the front and 21psi in the back (cold ) on the track and 27psi front 23psi back on the road.
IMO most recommended std pressures are way too high,probably to give optimum fuel consumption figures?

JG.26 · Oct 20th, 2004, 07:45 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by roland2003

Assuming tracking is correct, sounds like too high tyre pressures. I run 26psi in the front and 21psi in the back (cold ) on the track and 27psi front 23psi back on the road.
IMO most recommended std pressures are way too high,probably to give optimum fuel consumption figures?

Hi roland,

Cheers for that, hmmm 27psi eek, I think mine are all at 33psi which hope I'm correct is the handbook recommended with no loads etc. Where do you get 27psi from? My mazda 323 runs at 26psi all round recommended so maybe 33 is too high for the runflats. What does everyone else think on this??.....is 33psi to high and would it do anylong term damage running 6psi lower than recommended. Kinda weird really cos I been running at the recommended psi since new and this problem has only surfaced the past 2 weeks.
What pressures does everyone else run at all round??? interesting to know cos if its a lower psi I might try it and see what difference it makes.

By the way Roland tracking is fine and nothing is bent or out of alignment as the dealer checked,

Cheers

cooper4me · Oct 20th, 2004, 08:45 PM

HI Penguinblue,

I have experienced something similar with my 05 MCS. It's done 4000kms ~ 2600miles. Just wasn't sure if its related to me getting used to the tighter steering in my MINI. I have also increased the tire pressure from the recommended 33 to approx 35 psi because of uneven threadwear.

My MINI is at the dealers right now for some work

Unfortunately my courtesy car is a Z4 which has a nicely tight steering as well, but if the MINI still feels loose after driving the BMW then I might have to check the tire pressure again.

Will report back on this.

Btw: Are the recommended pressures for completely cold tires?

lukebuzzy · Oct 20th, 2004, 09:41 PM

I thought that the recommended psi was 38!

cooper4me · Oct 20th, 2004, 09:48 PM

I'll check my manual as soon as I get the MINI back, but I'm pretty sure it was 33psi.

Nice color combo you have there btw.

EBMCS03 · Oct 21st, 2004, 12:10 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by roland2003

Assuming tracking is correct, sounds like too high tyre pressures. I run 26psi in the front and 21psi in the back (cold ) on the track and 27psi front 23psi back on the road.
IMO most recommended std pressures are way too high,probably to give optimum fuel consumption figures?

26 is too low... and 21 is waaay too low. Why not just run on the rims. 33 is the recommended.

EBMCS03 · Oct 21st, 2004, 12:12 AM

But I personally run at about 36psi. gives a good compromise between smoothness of the ride and handeling... And before you say its too high and theres not enough rubber contact to the ground; No, its not. I've played with most pressure between 33 to 40 and I find 36 to 38 be the best.

Here's two threads about tire pressure and where I came to the conclusion of 36 to 38psi

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9835&highlight=tire+pre ssure

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10158&highlight=tire+pr essure

roland2003 · Oct 21st, 2004, 08:50 AM

Hi Penguinblue,
I use acombination of 2 factors to determine optimum tyre pressure on all my cars.
1) Monitor the wear ,just before you replace tyres,see if middle is worn more than the edges ,if it is reduce tyre pressures .
2)The good old stop watch. Simply monitor lap times (and heartbeat rate !)
My R5 gt turbo tarmac rally car runs 23front,18 back(cold)

lukebuzzy · Oct 22nd, 2004, 01:54 AM

I checked mine today and it's been running 27psi all round since delivery! I just put in 38psi so I'll have to see how that goes.

Oct 9th, 2004, 07:14 PM	#1
JG.26 MINI2 Master Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Virtual World Local Time: 12:20 AM Posts: 1,063 Offline	Steering feels overlight! Hi All, Have noticed over the past couple of days that the steering on my S feels lighter! as if the power steering is working overtime! The car drives ok, turns, corners and is true on the straight ahead, so not sure if this is a problem or not. Will check tyre pressures in the morning, the run flat indicator isn't glowing so I dont think its a flat. Anyone else had this?? Cheers

Oct 13th, 2004, 08:23 AM	#3 (permalink)
Rakey Four Candles? My Classifieds Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Hardware Shop Local Time: 12:20 AM Posts: 51,131 Offline	mine is like this, but thats because I need new tyres, whats the tread like, how many miles have you covered on your tyres? The only problem I have is knowing which one to drive?
http://www.mini2.com/forum/

Oct 13th, 2004, 12:28 PM	#5 (permalink)
Martin L MINI defector Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Harefield Local Time: 12:20 AM Posts: 13,635 Offline	Colder weather means tyres will take longer to warm up. Been alot of rain of late too so roads are more greasier. This could all factor into "lighter" steering feel. If your tyre pressures are low I'd expect the steering to feel heavier. MINI, RX8 and MX5 - Done those............. It's now TTime Unofficial MINI2.com bean counter

Oct 13th, 2004, 05:53 PM	#6 (permalink)
Rakey Four Candles? My Classifieds Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Hardware Shop Local Time: 12:20 AM Posts: 51,131 Offline	Martin is right, the temp takes time to warm up, I used to find this more so on the Pirelli Run Flats, thats why I binned them Mine is all fixed now, nice new tyres put on this arvo, its feels great to throw the car into a corner and know I will come out the other side The only problem I have is knowing which one to drive?

Oct 13th, 2004, 07:11 PM	#8 (permalink)
Rakey Four Candles? My Classifieds Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Hardware Shop Local Time: 12:20 AM Posts: 51,131 Offline	well get the dealer to check it, and we look forward to you getting it sorted and finding out the reason why The only problem I have is knowing which one to drive?

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Oct 13th, 2004, 06:37 AM	#2 (permalink)
JG.26 MINI2 Master Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Virtual World Local Time: 12:20 AM Posts: 1,063 Offline	Anyone? Feels a little like the front wheels are in ice, very peculiar! have been using a tire shine after washing the car and was almost wondering if Ive put a build up of silicone on the tread by mistake, sounds daft I know. Tyre pressures are ok and the steering and tracking all feel ok, no drifting or pulling to the left or right and no steering knocks or clicks! Have looked under the car and cant see anything bent. Any wise guesses out there? OR is this a unique MINI prob?? Cheers

Oct 13th, 2004, 12:25 PM	#4 (permalink)
JG.26 MINI2 Master Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Virtual World Local Time: 12:20 AM Posts: 1,063 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Rakey mine is like this, but thats because I need new tyres, whats the tread like, how many miles have you covered on your tyres? Hi Rakey, Ermm have only 3700 miles, so probably got a good 5mm on the treads at the front. Just feels a bit weird. I'm taking her in next Monday to have my bonnet stripes refitted so will ask them if they can check it out. Cheers

Oct 13th, 2004, 07:04 PM	#7 (permalink)
JG.26 MINI2 Master Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Virtual World Local Time: 12:20 AM Posts: 1,063 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Rakey Martin is right, the temp takes time to warm up, I used to find this more so on the Pirelli Run Flats, thats why I binned them Mine is all fixed now, nice new tyres put on this arvo, its feels great to throw the car into a corner and know I will come out the other side Thanks for your replies. Not sure if its a temperature thing, why has it started to do it now when a week ago all was fine even when the tyres were cold? I'm wondering whether something hads gone weird with the power steering or the column.

Oct 13th, 2004, 07:52 PM	#9 (permalink)
vagt6 MINI2 Senior Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: VA, USA Local Time: 07:20 PM Posts: 710 Offline	Have you checked the power steering fluid? Just a guess . . .

Oct 19th, 2004, 03:12 PM	#10 (permalink)
JG.26 MINI2 Master Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Virtual World Local Time: 12:20 AM Posts: 1,063 Offline	Hello Peeps, Thanks for all your replies. Had the steering etc checked out by the dealer yesterday and they can't find anything wrong, so I guess it's Pirelli runflats. Have only done just inder 4000 miles so would be surprised if it's because the tread is wearing low. Oh well ho hum. Cheers

Oct 19th, 2004, 04:07 PM	#11 (permalink)
lukebuzzy Motoring since 8/4/04 :) Join Date: Jun 2004 Local Time: 11:20 PM Posts: 553 Offline	I've got the Pirelli's too. Sometimes the steering feels light, sometimes its nice and heavy. Sometimes my MINI hugs the road, sometimes it feels unstable. I need to check the pressure and let some air out and come, spring i'm selling them and getting some non-runflats. Luke UK Expat - Oi Oi 2005 DS/DS MCS

Oct 20th, 2004, 01:49 PM	#12 (permalink)
roland2003 MINI 2 Sponsor GT Tuning Join Date: Jan 2004 Local Time: 12:20 AM Posts: 2,738 Offline	Assuming tracking is correct, sounds like too high tyre pressures. I run 26psi in the front and 21psi in the back (cold ) on the track and 27psi front 23psi back on the road. IMO most recommended std pressures are way too high,probably to give optimum fuel consumption figures?

Oct 20th, 2004, 07:45 PM	#13 (permalink)
JG.26 MINI2 Master Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Virtual World Local Time: 12:20 AM Posts: 1,063 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by roland2003 Assuming tracking is correct, sounds like too high tyre pressures. I run 26psi in the front and 21psi in the back (cold ) on the track and 27psi front 23psi back on the road. IMO most recommended std pressures are way too high,probably to give optimum fuel consumption figures? Hi roland, Cheers for that, hmmm 27psi eek, I think mine are all at 33psi which hope I'm correct is the handbook recommended with no loads etc. Where do you get 27psi from? My mazda 323 runs at 26psi all round recommended so maybe 33 is too high for the runflats. What does everyone else think on this??.....is 33psi to high and would it do anylong term damage running 6psi lower than recommended. Kinda weird really cos I been running at the recommended psi since new and this problem has only surfaced the past 2 weeks. What pressures does everyone else run at all round??? interesting to know cos if its a lower psi I might try it and see what difference it makes. By the way Roland tracking is fine and nothing is bent or out of alignment as the dealer checked, Cheers

Oct 20th, 2004, 08:45 PM	#14 (permalink)
cooper4me MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jul 2003 Local Time: 01:20 AM Posts: 76 Offline	HI Penguinblue, I have experienced something similar with my 05 MCS. It's done 4000kms ~ 2600miles. Just wasn't sure if its related to me getting used to the tighter steering in my MINI. I have also increased the tire pressure from the recommended 33 to approx 35 psi because of uneven threadwear. My MINI is at the dealers right now for some work Unfortunately my courtesy car is a Z4 which has a nicely tight steering as well, but if the MINI still feels loose after driving the BMW then I might have to check the tire pressure again. Will report back on this. Btw: Are the recommended pressures for completely cold tires? vrooooooooooom

Oct 20th, 2004, 09:41 PM	#15 (permalink)
lukebuzzy Motoring since 8/4/04 :) Join Date: Jun 2004 Local Time: 11:20 PM Posts: 553 Offline	I thought that the recommended psi was 38! UK Expat - Oi Oi 2005 DS/DS MCS

Oct 20th, 2004, 09:48 PM	#16 (permalink)
cooper4me MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jul 2003 Local Time: 01:20 AM Posts: 76 Offline	I'll check my manual as soon as I get the MINI back, but I'm pretty sure it was 33psi. Nice color combo you have there btw. vrooooooooooom

Oct 21st, 2004, 12:10 AM	#17 (permalink)
EBMCS03 M5 Extraordinare! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: So Cal Local Time: 04:20 PM Posts: 6,777 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by roland2003 Assuming tracking is correct, sounds like too high tyre pressures. I run 26psi in the front and 21psi in the back (cold ) on the track and 27psi front 23psi back on the road. IMO most recommended std pressures are way too high,probably to give optimum fuel consumption figures? 26 is too low... and 21 is waaay too low. Why not just run on the rims. 33 is the recommended. EB/W MCS Arrived (3/26/03) SOLD 4/25/06

Oct 21st, 2004, 12:12 AM	#18 (permalink)
EBMCS03 M5 Extraordinare! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: So Cal Local Time: 04:20 PM Posts: 6,777 Offline	But I personally run at about 36psi. gives a good compromise between smoothness of the ride and handeling... And before you say its too high and theres not enough rubber contact to the ground; No, its not. I've played with most pressure between 33 to 40 and I find 36 to 38 be the best. Here's two threads about tire pressure and where I came to the conclusion of 36 to 38psi http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9835&highlight=tire+pre ssure http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10158&highlight=tire+pr essure EB/W MCS Arrived (3/26/03) SOLD 4/25/06

Oct 21st, 2004, 08:50 AM	#19 (permalink)
roland2003 MINI 2 Sponsor GT Tuning Join Date: Jan 2004 Local Time: 12:20 AM Posts: 2,738 Offline	Hi Penguinblue, I use acombination of 2 factors to determine optimum tyre pressure on all my cars. 1) Monitor the wear ,just before you replace tyres,see if middle is worn more than the edges ,if it is reduce tyre pressures . 2)The good old stop watch. Simply monitor lap times (and heartbeat rate !) My R5 gt turbo tarmac rally car runs 23front,18 back(cold)

Oct 22nd, 2004, 01:54 AM	#20 (permalink)
lukebuzzy Motoring since 8/4/04 :) Join Date: Jun 2004 Local Time: 11:20 PM Posts: 553 Offline	I checked mine today and it's been running 27psi all round since delivery! I just put in 38psi so I'll have to see how that goes. UK Expat - Oi Oi 2005 DS/DS MCS

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