Mini f55 B38 2104 Steering wheel(column) issue
Discussion
Hi,i have a 2014 Mini F55 B38 with 60k and i have just noticed a slight issue with it.
I first noticed that if i rock the steering wheel top and bottom i get a slight knocking not a lot but enough to make me investigate ,i was also getting a creaking when i turned the steering wheel left to right and wondered if it was connected to the knocking ...The creaking sounded like a top strut mount but couldn't get any evidence to suggest this as it sounded like it was coming from the column but not obvious ...I have since found that a couple of other people have had this issue and a video with the same creaking noise were they say its either SZL or bottom grommet on column..I have since sprayed the bottom of the column ,as for the knocking with the wheel and looking at the drawings of the column it looks like there is a bearing and that is likely to be the issue ....Does anyone know if the bearing is serviceable or a new column or if anyone can advise or give any help on this it would be appreciated..
I first noticed that if i rock the steering wheel top and bottom i get a slight knocking not a lot but enough to make me investigate ,i was also getting a creaking when i turned the steering wheel left to right and wondered if it was connected to the knocking ...The creaking sounded like a top strut mount but couldn't get any evidence to suggest this as it sounded like it was coming from the column but not obvious ...I have since found that a couple of other people have had this issue and a video with the same creaking noise were they say its either SZL or bottom grommet on column..I have since sprayed the bottom of the column ,as for the knocking with the wheel and looking at the drawings of the column it looks like there is a bearing and that is likely to be the issue ....Does anyone know if the bearing is serviceable or a new column or if anyone can advise or give any help on this it would be appreciated..
I've replaced the steering column on my F55.
It wasn't knocking, it just wouldn't telescope in and out.
The column looks difficult to open. No obvious access unless you start unpeeling the sheet steel housing. I was interested in finding out why it jammed up, but it wasn't obvious how I would get it apart.
There are, I think, 4 bolts holding the column to a sub-frame. I assume you have checked them for tightness.
Otherwise, could be tie-rods?
It wasn't knocking, it just wouldn't telescope in and out.
The column looks difficult to open. No obvious access unless you start unpeeling the sheet steel housing. I was interested in finding out why it jammed up, but it wasn't obvious how I would get it apart.
There are, I think, 4 bolts holding the column to a sub-frame. I assume you have checked them for tightness.
Otherwise, could be tie-rods?
Many thanks for taking time to reply...
I have just finished putting two new track rod ends on not tested yet but will be doing shortly.
I have also purchased a used low mileage column and lower spindle from a donor car basically as a back up if i ever need to change it .Looks like there is just the 4 bolts holding to subframe and the clamp bolt that clamps on to the motor spindle ..I am going to check all the bolts for tightness but i would say the slight play would be coming from the lower spindle column as there is a bush apart from that i see no other issue as there is not much to it as steering columns go..Would you happen to know if the black box which i presume is for the remote key and acts as a a ariel needs coding or not ..
I have just finished putting two new track rod ends on not tested yet but will be doing shortly.
I have also purchased a used low mileage column and lower spindle from a donor car basically as a back up if i ever need to change it .Looks like there is just the 4 bolts holding to subframe and the clamp bolt that clamps on to the motor spindle ..I am going to check all the bolts for tightness but i would say the slight play would be coming from the lower spindle column as there is a bush apart from that i see no other issue as there is not much to it as steering columns go..Would you happen to know if the black box which i presume is for the remote key and acts as a a ariel needs coding or not ..
Many thanks for taking time to reply...
I have just finished putting two new track rod ends on not tested yet but will be doing shortly.
I have also purchased a used low mileage column and lower spindle from a donor car basically as a back up if i ever need to change it .Looks like there is just the 4 bolts holding to subframe and the clamp bolt that clamps on to the motor spindle ..I am going to check all the bolts for tightness but i would say the slight play would be coming from the lower spindle column as there is a bush apart from that i see no other issue as there is not much to it as steering columns go..Would you happen to know if the black box which i presume is for the remote key and acts as a a ariel needs coding or not ..
I have just finished putting two new track rod ends on not tested yet but will be doing shortly.
I have also purchased a used low mileage column and lower spindle from a donor car basically as a back up if i ever need to change it .Looks like there is just the 4 bolts holding to subframe and the clamp bolt that clamps on to the motor spindle ..I am going to check all the bolts for tightness but i would say the slight play would be coming from the lower spindle column as there is a bush apart from that i see no other issue as there is not much to it as steering columns go..Would you happen to know if the black box which i presume is for the remote key and acts as a a ariel needs coding or not ..
Black box does not need coding.
I don't think it's the key receiver, that is clipped into the lower plastic cover.
It could be a steering angle sensor, but no coding needed.
I found it relative straightforward to replace, except for the wiring plugs which I always struggle with.
The only "gotcha" that you can probably already see, is the the grub screw in the splined part at the bottom of the column is an ASA external star drive socket, which not everyone has in their toolbox.
Let me know if you have any questions if you get stuck.
I don't think it's the key receiver, that is clipped into the lower plastic cover.
It could be a steering angle sensor, but no coding needed.
I found it relative straightforward to replace, except for the wiring plugs which I always struggle with.
The only "gotcha" that you can probably already see, is the the grub screw in the splined part at the bottom of the column is an ASA external star drive socket, which not everyone has in their toolbox.
Let me know if you have any questions if you get stuck.
BOR said:
Black box does not need coding.
I don't think it's the key receiver, that is clipped into the lower plastic cover.
It could be a steering angle sensor, but no coding needed.
I found it relative straightforward to replace, except for the wiring plugs which I always struggle with.
The only "gotcha" that you can probably already see, is the the grub screw in the splined part at the bottom of the column is an ASA external star drive socket, which not everyone has in their toolbox.
Let me know if you have any questions if you get stuck.
Hi, i have now determined that the creaking is coming from the EPS Motor..So i have now been concentrating on the column in preparation for replacing if needed....I can get underneath the foot-well and rock the steering wheel and for the bit of play i can see is coming from the lower spindle were there is the plastic/nylon bush not a lot but there is play not sure if that is normal tolerance etc..The spindle is indeed held on with a ETorx but my thoughts are the actual lining up of everything ie steering wheel centralisation while i remove lower spindle ..Hope that males sense I don't think it's the key receiver, that is clipped into the lower plastic cover.
It could be a steering angle sensor, but no coding needed.
I found it relative straightforward to replace, except for the wiring plugs which I always struggle with.
The only "gotcha" that you can probably already see, is the the grub screw in the splined part at the bottom of the column is an ASA external star drive socket, which not everyone has in their toolbox.
Let me know if you have any questions if you get stuck.
No alignment needed.
Do you mean inserting the spindle into the lower column secured by the Etorx bolt?
You can only insert the Etorx when the spindle is at the right depth .
Unfortunately not at home for 3 weeks, so I can't check the old one, but IIRC, there is a raised key on the spindle, so it only goes in in one position.
You do have to get the optical sensor into the right position(shows "green") but that's relatively obvious. (separate plastic assembly just beneath steering wheel)
Do you mean inserting the spindle into the lower column secured by the Etorx bolt?
You can only insert the Etorx when the spindle is at the right depth .
Unfortunately not at home for 3 weeks, so I can't check the old one, but IIRC, there is a raised key on the spindle, so it only goes in in one position.
You do have to get the optical sensor into the right position(shows "green") but that's relatively obvious. (separate plastic assembly just beneath steering wheel)
Edited by BOR on Tuesday 25th March 15:55
Thanks again for taking time to reply I am still in my classic car mode as I have a 72 MGB GT and just recently replaced the steering column were lining up the shaft in the UJ was something that had to be done to ensure the steering wheel was central ….To be honest it’s something I could do but as most things you come across problems and I need the Mini as my daily driver as for the clamp it does look like it just lifts and spins round to remove …
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