[wow]

WOW, bad news for me I have found out that I have to replace my entire steering rack on my 2002 MINI Cooper. The dealer says it will take two days. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I am so upset. WHY MY MINI. Oh well the dealer is really good and sorted out all my problems. BMW AUTOBAVIERIA Midrand is the BEST

[ALD0]

Sorry to hear about your Problems, at least the fault has been found-and I expect you will have a courtesy MINI to ride about in!

[Wul]

Sorry to hear that WOW - a few of us on here have had either the top, bottom or both parts of our steering column replaced to remove the clicking noise - it is a very common fault at present.

Don't fret though - they'll sort it all no probs i'm sure.

[StevePSB]

I have a groaning steering column and it needs both parts. Unfortunately though, the main part is back ordered with no date for delivery.
I imagine there's a few people in right hand drive countries in the same situation as me.

[gaz]

Hi all

Forgive me for being a little stupid.....but how do you know there is a problem with the steering rack?

I have a little 'click' sometimes when turning....sounding as though something is knockin just under the steering column.

Only just recently started. If this is a known fault, should the dealer not contact owners for a check?

Cheers

Gary

[barrie]

I had the same problem on my MC, My MCS is fine though. touch wood

[ChrisGJ]

Gaz - I had exactly the same sound coming from my steering column - as have many others on MINI2.

We had to have a complete new steering column.

You should take yours to your dealer because, trust me, the noise doesn't go away - it only gets worse, like every time you turn the wheel at low speeds.

After the replacement the noise has now gone and it's happy motoring again!

ps: don't let them fob you off with lubricating the steering rack 'cos that doesn't solve it.

[gaz]

ChrisGJ

Thanks for that.

It's getting a little annoying and will get it to the dealer as soon as I can.........as a matter of fact, just edited this post after contacting the dealer. Car booked in on Wed for a look.

Described from the forum thread what was happening with the noise and it was an 'ah....OK bring it in for us to see'

Thanks again guys.

Cheers

Gary

[CooperS4us]

There are 2 different problems documented with the MINI's steering system:


1) Failed Rack and Pinion: Often the best way to detect this problem is by verifying the level of power steering fluid in the reservoir. Often the power steering cuts out or the steering effort level increases suggesting a fluid leak in the rack and pinion assembly. Seems to affect some build date ranges of '02's and '03's.

2) Collapsed "Rotary Coupler" or "Bearing" in upper steering column: This problem often causes the steering wheel to creak every 1/4 of the turn of the steering wheel. It does not only makes a creaking noise but you can also feel the clicks travelling up the steering column. This problem affects nearly every 2002 MINI and the only remedy is to have the dealer replace the Upper Steering Column assembly with the new revised part (Already in production) and this includes a new Rotary Coupler. It should not present a safety hazard but overtime can affect the functioning of the turn signals and the driver's airbag.


Both of these issues should be covered under warranty and take a couple of hours to address properly.

[CooperS4us]

My "Creaking" steering column was just replaced today. When they replace the upper steering column assembly, the technician must also replace the lower steering column assembly as well as the new redesign part is not backwards compatible with the old one.

The new steering column is fantastic! No more creaking, much more precise in feedback and just, umm great!

If you have a creaking steering column, have your MINI dealer replace it under warranty with the new design part.

[M.2]

Quote: Originally Posted by CooperS4us

My "Creaking" steering column was just replaced today. When they replace the upper steering column assembly, the technician must also replace the lower steering column assembly as well as the new redesign part is not backwards compatible with the old one.

The new steering column is fantastic! No more creaking, much more precise in feedback and just, umm great!

If you have a creaking steering column, have your MINI dealer replace it under warranty with the new design part.

You are so right

It was my dealer that told me that I needed one - always put up with it - thought it was "normal".

It is so different now.

[gaz]

Hi all

Thanks for the additional posts.

Now I have added back up while at the dealer next week. No chance of them fobbing me off with sob stories.

So the new one is still in production? Will the dealer fit what they have available or tell me to wait.....or should I wait?

Cheers

Gary

[CooperS4us]

Quote: Originally Posted by gaz

Hi all

Thanks for the additional posts.

Now I have added back up while at the dealer next week. No chance of them fobbing me off with sob stories.

So the new one is still in production? Will the dealer fit what they have available or tell me to wait.....or should I wait?

Cheers

Gary

The new design steering column has been in production for a few months now, so your MINI dealer should be able to fit it in with no further delays or complications. Go ahead and get your car booked as soon as possible.


The new steering column works a treat and it feels like a brand new car all over again. Absolutely worth it!

[StevePSB]

Ah, but CooperS4us, the RHD column is back ordered. I both have one on order, and also work in the parts dept. of a BMW/MINI dealer (indeed, I ordered my own steering column!).

I e-mailed BMW from work to fins a date out and they had no idea of when it was due in. Haven't heard anything since.

Gary, the chances are they'd only fit the new one. Besides any old ones aren't likely to be in stock as they'd have almost certainly all been used by now.

It looks as though my car will be traded in at the start of September still waiting for the column to arrive.

I'll ask again if they have any update on delivery date.

[CooperS4us]

Quote: Originally Posted by StevePSB

Ah, but CooperS4us, the RHD column is back ordered. I both have one on order, and also work in the parts dept. of a BMW/MINI dealer (indeed, I ordered my own steering column!).

I e-mailed BMW from work to fins a date out and they had no idea of when it was due in. Haven't heard anything since.

Gary, the chances are they'd only fit the new one. Besides any old ones aren't likely to be in stock as they'd have almost certainly all been used by now.

It looks as though my car will be traded in at the start of September still waiting for the column to arrive.

I'll ask again if they have any update on delivery date.

I have a LHD '02 Cooper CVT and according to my dealer technician, the steering column for the CVT has an additional connector for the Shift Lock Release safety feature. There seems to be no backorder of the new steering wheel columns here in the US as my dealer has been able to get a hold of several replacements on a weekly basis.
I was under the impression the steering columns for both LHD and RHD were essentially the same. Where are the key differences between the two?

[StevePSB]

I'd imagine the columns are similar but there will be differences in fixings I would have thought. I've never actually looked at one out of a car though.

[CooperS4us]

Quote: Originally Posted by StevePSB

I'd imagine the columns are similar but there will be differences in fixings I would have thought. I've never actually looked at one out of a car though.

I would think the columns are the same because the column stalks for the wipers, turn signals, etc are positioned the same in both LHD and RHD version. The only difference is the side of the car where they are installed.

I would tend to think that the Rack and Pinion is different for both versions, but not the upper and lower steering columns.

Best of luck. For some reason the new steering columns are still backordered in the UK and Europe but easily available here in the US.

To my understanding this part is made in Germany. Any chance you could import the part directly from Munich?

[StevePSB]

No, there aren't any in Germany either. BMW are waiting for stock to come in.

Actually, I've just looked and it says delivery date of 19/8/03 and both GB and Germany are still showing no stock...

I've also looked and the LHD and RHD columns have different part numbers, so there is some difference between them.

[wow]

could it only be right hand drive MINI's?

[CooperS4us]

Quote: Originally Posted by wow

could it only be right hand drive MINI's?

Problem affects both, LHD and RHD steering columns. However there is a new redesigned steering column now in production that no longer exhibits the creaking sound problem.