Help! Steering and Gearbox noises from my One D

[RoryM]

Hi all,

Having found some great advice here before recently becoming a proud MINI owner, I'm hoping someone can help me out with my MINI problems...

After much searching I was thrilled to finally find a 03 One Diesel which suited me down to the ground.

But....after driving my MINI for a couple of weeks, I have discovered a couple of things which are worrying me:


1.) The steering makes a creaking noise when at full lock at slow speeds. I've had a look at some earlier threads on this subject but am not sure whether it needs a new steering column (eek!), new suspension bushes or just some spray grease.

2.) Today heard a knocking noise whilst idling at traffic lights, which disappeared when clutch was pressed. (Only had to touch pedal for it to stop, not put it in completely) Again have searched through previous threads but am unsure if the answers relating to known issues with gearbox noise apply to me as I know the One D has a different gearbox than other first gen MINIs?

Basically I'm looking for some advice on how serious these two issues are, and how expensive they are likely to be to fix

I was loving my new MINI up til now- have I made a dreadful mistake??