Noise from steering - known fault?

[punkeyfunky]

Hi all.

Since April my March 03 Cooper has had a noise coming from the power steering. It's not the whine of the fan - very different noise; sounds like something scraping; a bit like a bearing thats dry and full of debris.

I've read others posts about similar noises.

Anyways, my Coop is at Sytner today. They said they are going to replace the lower half of the steering column, as it's a 'known fault'.
Anyone know what that 'known fault' is?

Just curious

Lee aka PunkeyFunky

[Paul]

Sounds like the fault that was the main reason (eventually) for my rejection (although it's hard to describe noises, so I could be wrong).

Anyway, that was a valve in the steering pump that was at fault (and then the replacement part was also faulty, so I had a complete new rack, then ANOTHER new pump, after the first thing they tried was replacing the column).

There are clicks or grinds that are other faults which are replaced by column work/replacements.

[CooperS4us]

You need to get your lower and upper steering column assemblies replaced with a new revised steering column part now available.

If your are loosing power steering fluid, then the rack needs to be replaced also.

Most upper steering column noises are caused by a collapsed bearing and rotary coupler assembly. This is a very old and known problem in first year production MINIs. The new redesigned steering column works a treat and no longer exhibits the collapsed bearing problem that leads to the creaking and cliking noises others have described.

If the dealer has the part in stock, it should be a 2 to 3 hour job.

[punkeyfunky]

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul Mullett

Sounds like the fault that was the main reason (eventually) for my rejection (although it's hard to describe noises, so I could be wrong).

Anyway, that was a valve in the steering pump that was at fault (and then the replacement part was also faulty, so I had a complete new rack, then ANOTHER new pump, after the first thing they tried was replacing the column).

There are clicks or grinds that are other faults which are replaced by column work/replacements.

Interesting.

Anyways, I'm back to the dealer on Sept 3rd. I'll see what gives after that./

Lee

[bobnobski]

Quote: Originally Posted by punkeyfunky

Hi all.

Since April my March 03 Cooper has had a noise coming from the power steering. It's not the whine of the fan - very different noise; sounds like something scraping; a bit like a bearing thats dry and full of debris.

I've read others posts about similar noises.

Anyways, my Coop is at Sytner today. They said they are going to replace the lower half of the steering column, as it's a 'known fault'.
Anyone know what that 'known fault' is?

Just curious

Lee aka PunkeyFunky

Sounds exactly the same as my old March 03 build Mini. Turn the steering wheel slighty & you would hear a grinding/grating noise and also feel it through the steering wheel.

Well the problem is the the Power Steering Fluid - I bet you any money if you check the resevior it would be dry? This is either caused by a leak on the power steering pump OR on the steering rack itself. Check your drive/garage floor to see if theres any residue on the floor from the leak.

Our dealer replaced the pump & the problem was solved. Obviously I found the problem early so did'nt damage the rack!

[punkeyfunky]

Quote: Originally Posted by bobnobski

Sounds exactly the same as my old March 03 build Mini. Turn the steering wheel slighty & you would hear a grinding/grating noise and also feel it through the steering wheel.

Yeah, thats it.

Quote: Originally Posted by bobnobski

Well the problem is the the Power Steering Fluid - I bet you any money if you check the resevior it would be dry?

First thing I checked - full up.

Quote: Originally Posted by bobnobski

This is either caused by a leak on the power steering pump OR on the steering rack itself. Check your drive/garage floor to see if theres any residue on the floor from the leak.

Nope. Nothing leaking from my MINI. I just had a new drive laid, so I can see anything that gets dropped pretty easily

Quote: Originally Posted by bobnobski

Our dealer replaced the pump & the problem was solved. Obviously I found the problem early so did'nt damage the rack!

Interesting. I'll see if the lower column replacement (on order) fixes things. If not, I guess I'll be doing the same as Paul and getting all sorts of kit replaced...

Lee

[ScoobyDoo]

Two months ago, I had to call out MINI to fetch my car after I lost all steering completely. Turns out steeering rack needed replacing & I was without my baby for 2 weeks (waiting for parts from Germany). Hope your car turns out ok.

[CooperS4us]

Quote: Originally Posted by bobnobski

Sounds exactly the same as my old March 03 build Mini. Turn the steering wheel slighty & you would hear a grinding/grating noise and also feel it through the steering wheel.

Well the problem is the the Power Steering Fluid - I bet you any money if you check the resevior it would be dry? This is either caused by a leak on the power steering pump OR on the steering rack itself. Check your drive/garage floor to see if theres any residue on the floor from the leak.

Our dealer replaced the pump & the problem was solved. Obviously I found the problem early so did'nt damage the rack!

You are right and wrong. Some MINIs have had 2 distinctive problems:

1) Failed bearing in upper steering column
2) Leaking steering rack.

The creaking noise felt on the steering wheel every 1/4 of the turn of the wheel, was caused by a failed bearing in the upper steering column assembly. It has nothing to do with the rack and pinion. MINI released a few months back a redesigned upper steering column that corrects the failed bearing problem. Since the new upper steering column is not backwards compatible with the old lower steering column assembly, both parts need to be completely replaced at the time the dealer is performing the repair.

On the other hand, if you are losing power steering fluid, then this is related to a defect in the rack and pinion assembly. Completely unrelated to the creaking noises in the steering column.

My Cooper had problem #1 and it now has a new steering column that works a treat. However, I have never ever had any problems with power steering fluid loss. I still have the factory rack and pinion assembly.

All of this was explained in detail by my MINI technician which is a very knowledgeable and trustworthy source of all things related to MINI's faults and fixes.

[Razor]

Mines started making a noise every quarter turn, almost as it a part of the steering wheel is catching on the plastic trim, but I can feel it - is this the same fault?

If so does that mean I'll need my upper steering column changing then?

There's certainly no fluid leak.

[Paul]

Quote: Originally Posted by razor

Mines started making a noise every quarter turn, almost as it a part of the steering wheel is catching on the plastic trim, but I can feel it - is this the same fault?

If so does that mean I'll need my upper steering column changing then?

There's certainly no fluid leak.

That's the first problem I had with my Cooper, the one with the coupling, so go see your dealer.

[Razor]

Looks like we'll be making a trip to the dealer then!

[Benny No.1]

Just took mine in this morning, i was suffering the same proplems as discussed in this thread so i thought id send her in. Got a call 5 mins ago that they will have to replace the upper and lower steering column. but get this they don't know when they will be able to replace it because there are no spares in the whole of the UK! OOOO joy. she did say it is safe to drive! looks like i get a long wait for my troubles!

Its not all bad though, i got a Auto cooper loan car with the paddles on the steering wheel! great fun... haha.

[sniece]

I'm going through the same column clicking problem with my July '02 build Cooper. It's been doing it for some time now, and they've diagnosed as the bearing problem. Next week, I go in for a new upper and lower column. No fluid loss however. I do recall reading a story about a cracked steering column however...IIRC, someone lost steering entirely going around an on-ramp, and totalled the car. This may just be an urban legend though.

Steve