12 replies to this topic

[MiniDownUnder]

Hi all

Bit of a big problem. Ill start by saying that ive had a bit of a wheel wobble for the last few weeks that has gradually gotten worse and only started when i had to apply the brakes pretty hard to avoid an accident, so every time i change gees it wobbles badly and pulls to the right and its a mk1 if that helps. Now the other day i was driving on the freeway home no problems so far only the wheel wobble when changing gears. I pull into a servo and park up (stretch my legs) when i go to start her up and start to drive out the mini just stops. I get out and look at the wheels, they are both pointing inwards. I found that moving the steering wheel is far to easy and it only moves the left wheel and the right one either has a mind of its own or has to me moved by hand. The tow truck driver and myself reckon its something has either snapped, bent or come lose but have to idea. Bit in the dark about this one as i cant see any damage underneath. Id rather get a bit of an idea about whats going on before i head to the mechanics because he isn't used to mini's.

Any help would be great
cheers

[minimissionary]

Take the wheels off? Give everything a good tug and check for play. Should become apparent.

[Old Bob]

Sounds like a serious accident just waiting to happen - and it will be your fault if it does!

Anything which doesn't feel right, isn't! My advice is not to drive it anywhere until you have had it checked, and that means not even driving it to your local garage.

Bob

[MattEvans]

Check all the ball joint nuts are done up tight, especially the tie rod ends. I recently changed my engine and in my haste to try it out neglected to tighten one of the tie rod ball joints. only took me until my first gear change to realise something was very wrong, then felt a bit stupid for forgetting to do somthing so simple! >.<

Although it seems unlikely in this case because of your steering problem, wheel wobel can be caused by worn bearings, jack the car up and grab hold of the tyre in the 6 and 12 o'clock possitions and wiggle it, if you feel ANY movement the bearings will probably need changing or the big castle nut may just need tightening to the next notch.

[dave1293gt]

Sounds to me like it maybe the trackrod is/has come loose from the centre part of the steering rack.

[Cooperman]

It's really not possible to 'second guess' from the description.
You need to jack the car up as high as you can get it, then remove both the front wheels.
Check that the nuts which hold the rack U-bolts in place are tight. They are inside the car under the carpets, 1/2" AF, and they need to be firm but not over-tight.
Once that is checked, check the 'pinch-bolt' at the bottom of the steering column which locks the stering shaft onto the rack pinion shaft. It is 7/16" AF.
After checking that, move on to check that when the steering wheel is turned it moves the track rods, those are the rods which come out of the rubber gaiters on each end of the rack. They must both move at the same time, the same anount for the full travel of the rack. If they don't, then it's a problem inside the rack which will need changing for a re-conditioned or new one.
Now inspect the track rod ends to ensure that the lock nut which holds each one onto the track rod is tight. I think they are 3/4" AF (might be bigger). If they are tight inspect the track rod ends where they go through the steering arms. These do wear and require regular changing. If you can wobble the wheel/hub, either wheel/hub, to and fro without the track rod moving, then you need a new track-rod end that side or, maybe, both sides if both are worn.
Now check that the steering arms are firmly bolted onto the hubs. There are 2 bolts per arm, 9/16" AF and they should be held tight by a locking tab.
Hold each front hub in turn at the top and bottom and inspect the hub ball joints for play. Fit new swivel pin kits if worn.
Check for play in the wheel bearings at this time by trying to rock the wheel mounting flange whilst holding it at the horizontal position.
Just make sure you inspect everything as above as it's the steering which we're discussing and that is 'safety-critical', so take no chances.
I hope this helps.

[tiger99]

To which I would only add that the subframe mounting area and the steering rack mount on the toeboard should be checked for corrosion or other damage, as it started after heavy braking, which would have stressed the shell somewhat. We have seen some real horrors in that area at the beginning of several rebuild threads.

[bmcecosse]

It definitely sounds like steering arm or track rod problem. Wheels off - and compare one side to the other looking for something obviously loose. I'm amazed you drove it with that 'wobble'......not a wise move. I think you have had a lucky escape.

[MiniDownUnder]

Thanks for all the help guys sorry for not replying sooner been at work for the last 2 weeks so when i fly back ill know what to look for and tell you what i find

[MiniDownUnder]

just an update to let anyone else who has had a similar problem. Its turns out that it was a missing bolt in the steering arm or track rod (mechanic didnt specify over the phone just said a missing bolt and all is good now). i guess over many many years it just came loose and wobbled out causing the wobble and causing the wheel to have no ability to turn. Again thanks to everyone who helped

[tiger99]

I am glad that one is fixed, and not too difficult either, but the cause was rather surprising.

It would have been the steering arm, where it bolts to the hub, as that is the only place where there is a bolt which, when missing, would cause the problem. There are two bolts, and if one is missing, the other will come loose and the arm will pivot on the hub, therefore no steering on that side.

Most UK models have hollow dowels, part number FAM6924, around the bolts for accurate location, so if the bolt falls out (unlikely), the arm will still be located, although abnormal load might make it bend enough to jump off the dowel. Australian models were often built with slightly different parts, perhaps yours has fitted bolts instead of dowels.

The Somerford Mini web site will show you all the parts which are fitted to UK models, with nice exploded diagrams. The one for the hub and steering arm is here:

http://www.somerford...page=page&id=52

There should be a locktab, part number 2K5377, on each pair of bolts. I recommend that you check that these are fitted on both sides. If you can't get them,they can be made from sheet steel.

[Algordo1100]

I once drove all the way from Glastonbury to Leeds with the same problem. I thought it was a track rod end and carried on. It got worse and worse. I simply couldn't believe it when on investigation the next day, I saw the steering arm flapping about and pivoting on one bolt.

I blame 7X13's. Great big stupid heavy suspension knackering bearing destroying handling killing wheels that have no business on a mini. Fashion be damned

Al

[MiniDownUnder]

My usual mechanic great for all my classic cars fixed it beautifully (used to own a cooper) I always trust him with everything that he does. So i trust he put in the correct bolts for aussie models (thanks for the info tiger99)

What made it even more worse was finding out that the mechanic who usually serviced the car before i bought it is a mini specialist and they didn't even put the bolts in correctly to begin with.