whine on full lock when pulling away

[jamesg747]

Hey, just collected my 03 mini cooper s and there seems to be an audible whine when pulling away on full lock. It only happens occasionally and ive heard or driven other minis and there always seems to whine but very faint and not really noticeable. on mine, this is definitely noticeable!! any ideas what it could be??

also, the steering is a lot heavier than i remembered, esp when going slow/turning, almost to the point that there isnt power steering!!

could these be connected??

Thanks very much

James

[Macguyvic]

Both signs of low power steering fluid!

[mab01uk]

Some Mini power steering pumps whine much louder than others (mine has since new!) and early Mk1 Mini power steering is heavier than most other small cars, especially with the wider tyres fitted on some models......but it is suposed to be a 'sporting' small car so drivers expect to have more steering 'feel and feedback' than on something like a Toyota Yaris or similar.

[jamesg747]

funny you should say that, my girlfriend had a yaris and that was a breeze to drive/turn and i guess thats why its taking some time to adjust to. I bought the car thought/assumed everything was normal. Since getting it ive picked up on a few niggles, the whine on turning, stiff steering, low on oil, low tyre pressure (in all 4 tyres). Crazy how something simple like putting air in tyres or topping up oil is so difficult for some people. since putting air in everything seems more comfortable/normal.

Booked in for service to give it a good old check over.

quick question.....thoughts on run flats or normal tyres??

[Jonty06FR]

Quote: Originally Posted by jamesg747 (original)

quick question.....thoughts on run flats or normal tyres??

Run flats are much more "rigid" therefore provide a bumpier, less comfortable ride. Ofcourse you have the advantages of the runflat ability.

JC