I've found play within my minis steering, and would like some further advice, and confirmation that I've inspected all critical parts regarding the safety of the vehicles steering (and further instructions if I've missed anything).

I'm more than happy to post videos if required. This is what I've done, what I've found, what I've ordered and some questions I've got - please give any advice I should be aware of.

Procedure

1. Turned steering wheel and observed the wheel is able to be turned without moving the wheels or rack.
2. Jacked up the front of the car:
   
   1. Drivers side had play in all directions
   2. Passenger side had play forwards and backwards
3. Inspected steering rack U Bolts, and didn't observe any movement
4. Removed steering column and inspected splines, and didn't observe any wear

Findings

1. Drivers side outer seal in the wheel bearing has broken
2. Drivers side CV joint has some slight play when rotating forwards and backwards
3. Drivers side lower ball joint nut was loose, and when tightened, slips a thread
4. There is a small amount play when the spline of the steering column is moved by hand

Parts ordered

• Ball joint kit, incl. lock tabs etc.
• Outer bearing seal
• Tie rod ends

My questions

1. How much (if any) forwards and rear rotating play is acceptable in a CV joint?
2. How much (if any) play is acceptable in the steering rack?
3. Is there anything else I should inspect to make determine what should be replaced?
4. Is there any other critical parts I should inspect in regards to the safety of the car?

Get an expert to look at it ASAP

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"Show me the Mini!"

Ok - and from what I’ve mentioned above, would it be safe to drive it to the mechanics in your opinion, or do you need some more information?

I think in the interest of everybody's safety - if you have to ask if the car is safe to drive then you probably know it is not.
The responsible thing would be to get it transported there.

If you are expecting me to say "go ahead" on a public forum the answer is NO.

No amount of discussion here will make the car safe, unless you know what you are doing.

Get a mechanic to come around to your place or trailer it to a garage...

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"Show me the Mini!"

Get an expert to look at it ASAP

I think it sounds like you're on the right track and should be able to sort it out with the parts you've ordered.. but don't be surprised if there are more things worn out. If those parts are worn out there will almost definitely be more. Don't be surprised if the wheel bearing with the broken seal is stuffed. It'll definitely need to be taken apart and cleaned/regressed.

It's worth checking the top suspension arms and the radius arms at the back for play in the bushes/bearings. A pry bar or big screwdriver is all you need.

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

I definitely don't know that the car is unsafe, and nothing I've found indicates to me that it would be.


I was actually expecting you to point out anything critical that I'd missed checking, or point out anything critical that I'd checked and hadn't planned on addressing.



Yeah, that's exactly what I'm finding. It's hard to find the start and the end of each job. One minute I'm checking to see where the play is coming from in the steering, the next I've decided it's probably better value getting a disc brake conversion kit instead of overhauling the existing drum swivel hubs.


I'll check them out tomorrow when I install the tie rods and ball joints. I appreciate the help.

A few of us on this Forum, know what it is like to have front suspension failure, ball joint/lose a wheel, steering failure etc you haven't told us anything about yourself (mechanical aptitude or qualifications wise) or indeed where you are located...that's why some of us came down on the side of safety...an un-roadworthy Mini can bite!

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"Show me the Mini!"

Yeah - I understand. I was trying to err on the side of caution too.

Just to complete the thread in case it pops up in the search for anyone:

Replacing the tie rod ends and ball joints reduced the play in the steering majorly. The only issue was the tie rod ends that were fitted to the car and the tie rod ends supplied by minisport were different lengths (new ones were about 10mm longer), so the toe was significantly altered, and I had to set up some strings and adjust the toe to get it straight enough to drive down and get a wheel alignment.

How much freeplay is in your steering rack?

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"Show me the Mini!"

Honestly, after changing the tie rod ends and the ball joints, almost none. I actually was surprised how tight the steering feels now.

feels like a mini should then!

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Onya Sime!
(not really a responsible thing to say, but onya!)

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"Show me the Mini!"