10 replies to this topic

[Vinay-RS]

Hi everyone,

 

I have been noticing a squeaking sound when I turn the steering wheel at low speeds (like when reversing). I thought it might be due to a wheel alignment issue, so I have made an apointment to have the wheel alignment checked.

 

I was wondering if it could be due to any other serious mechanical issue. I don't really own any tools, and as a student I am a little concerned that it might be an expensive fix.

 

Thanks.

Edited by deathghost, 14 March 2014 - 05:31 PM.

[tiger99]

There is not much reason to think that this is caused by wheel alignment, but it is always worth having it checked anyway, as if it is wrong, you will waste money due to tyre wear.

 

Can you be more specific about where the squeak seems to be coming from? If necessary, get someone to listen, inside the car, and outside, from each side in turn. If we have some more idea about where it is coming from, we may be able to locate it better.

 

If it squeaks even when the car is stationary, possibly the steering column. I think you should also, before having the alignment checked, ensure that the rack is correctly aligned to the steering column, as has been discussed here many times. A misaligned column is very dangerous, because it will fail suddenly, and the misalignment may increase its tendency to squeak. However, I suspect that it is not that.

[gazza01]

Mouse in the steering cowl?

[Vinay-RS]

Mouse in the steering cowl?

 

Haha, nice 

[Vinay-RS]

An update on the squeaking sound. I noticed that it occurs when I disengage the handbrake. Could it be that the brakes are not fully disengaging?

 

Thanks

[cal844]

Possibly, I'd put my money on the cable quadrants

[tiger99]

Well, is the squeaking from the back, or front? The handbrake only affects the back wheels. Try to give us some more information, for instance does it keep squeaking if you drive in a circle, or only as you are turning the wheel? But I do agree, your handbrake system will benefit from some maintenance. They all do. Removing, cleaning and greasing the quadrants, and greasing the guides on the subframe, its always a good idea once a year or so, and also taking the drums off and checking that the lever between cable and shoe spreading bar is pivoting freely on its rivet.

 

What model and year is your car, and does it have front discs or drums? These things can make a lot of difference.

[Vinay-RS]

Well, is the squeaking from the back, or front? The handbrake only affects the back wheels. Try to give us some more information, for instance does it keep squeaking if you drive in a circle, or only as you are turning the wheel? But I do agree, your handbrake system will benefit from some maintenance. They all do. Removing, cleaning and greasing the quadrants, and greasing the guides on the subframe, its always a good idea once a year or so, and also taking the drums off and checking that the lever between cable and shoe spreading bar is pivoting freely on its rivet.

 

What model and year is your car, and does it have front discs or drums? These things can make a lot of difference.

 

The car is a 1983 1275e with drums all around.

 

The sound seems to be coming from the rear, and yeah it is present whenever the wheel is turned at low speeds just after disengaging the hand brake.

[tiger99]

Well, the connection between steering and rear brakes is very tenuous, but something that is just on the edge of squeaking may do so only when there is some slight side thrust caused by cornering. So, a check of the brakes, brake cables, and hub bearings is in order, and while you are at it, it is a good time to check for radius arm wear, as well as looking for signs of tyres rubbing on bodywork.

 

I am not sure that your car is in original condition (not many Minis are now), an "E" is usually a 998, and up till late 1984 would indeed have drums all round, but I don't think that a 1275 would ever have had drums. I think you need a brake upgrade to match the engine. However, you "should" have 10" wheels, which rules out the standard 8.4" discs.

[Vinay-RS]

Well, the connection between steering and rear brakes is very tenuous, but something that is just on the edge of squeaking may do so only when there is some slight side thrust caused by cornering. So, a check of the brakes, brake cables, and hub bearings is in order, and while you are at it, it is a good time to check for radius arm wear, as well as looking for signs of tyres rubbing on bodywork.

 

I am not sure that your car is in original condition (not many Minis are now), an "E" is usually a 998, and up till late 1984 would indeed have drums all round, but I don't think that a 1275 would ever have had drums. I think you need a brake upgrade to match the engine. However, you "should" have 10" wheels, which rules out the standard 8.4" discs.

The 1275e is a South African model that was produced until 1984 (Based on the Clubman), and yeah it had drums.

 

I will investigate the problems this week, hopefully I can get it sorted out. Thanks so much for all the information tiger99.

[Vinay-RS]

Thanks tiger99,

 

I removed the quadrants and cleaned and greased them, and that seems to have sorted it out. No more squeaking sounds  . Once again thanks so much for the advice.