Help needed with my Mini

[LozzyB]

Hello,

I have a very creaky steering wheel/column when turning. It has gradually got worse over the months but my mechanic said not to do anything until I really need to. Well now is the time!

I have been quoted for a Mini part - full steering column as £389 + vat.

The mechanic that I use has suggested I look to see if I can get it cheaper first before ordering it.

Does anyone know what parts exactly are needed, a good/cheap place to find them and what is involved?

Any advice would be great

Thank you

Laura

[mab01uk]

Common problem, grease the upper steering column bearing first.......there is lots of info in this link below which should help you:
Notchy / Clonky Steering - Forums


Cheaper Mini parts here:
www.bmminiparts.com - Home

BMW MINI Spares - Home

Mini Spares Uk - Minispares UK

MiniMatt|BMW|MINI|Modifications|Parts|Spares|Servi ce|Tuning|Repairs|Racing

[LozzyB]

It's an 02 UK Cooper by the way.

[LozzyB]

Quote: Originally Posted by mab01uk (original)

Thanks for your quick response, I think I've pushed it beyond the greasing point and unfortunately due it a being 01/02 reg it'll mean I need the upper and lower replacing.

Can this be bought as kit/package or do they need to be bought separately and do you think it would be ok to buy used parts?

Do you know if an 03-06 reg part can be retrofitted to an 02 reg?

Thanks again

[mab01uk]

Used parts are often ok when diy but paying a garage means you will have no guarantee if the parts fail or are no good.

Later parts are the improved column so will probably fit but it can never be guaranteed unless someone has done exact same swap. You can try comparing part numbers on here:

RealOEM.com BMW R50 Cooper Steering column


Search using you Mini/BMW Serial Number (last 7 digits of your VIN)
RealOEM.com Online BMW Parts Catalog

[LozzyB]

Is the steering column and associated parts all 1 part number?

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by LozzyB (original)

Is the steering column and associated parts all 1 part number?

What do you mean by associated parts?

[LozzyB]

Does the steering column come as all one piece or will it need bushes and brackets etc that need to be ordered separately?

[MINIAC]

Any part which has number on the parts diagram will have to be ordered if the original part can't be reused.

Once you identify the part numbers required you can compare the reasonableness of prices you're being quoted by comparing them with pricing here.

[LozzyB]

Just to update the post.

I purchased second hand one off Ebay (can't post links as I'm too young)

It has solved the problem beautifully and saved me £500!!!

Winner!

Thank you for you help.