so took my mini to the shop today and came back with an estimate of almost $5000 worth of work that needs to be done. it seems my power steering issue is the u joint in the steering column. Most importantly the LCA bushings are nackered. does anyone know of a how to thread on these. (I'm in need of a bentley at this point.) I don't really want to drop the subframe to do this job and mini wants almost $1000 do do it.
There are videos on YouTube that will give you an idea of what's involved. Here's one.... http://youtu.be/-yEfrPpQBdk
Drop the subframe, it makes it oh so much easier and it's only a few extra bolts - plus, you can change the steering u-joint while you have it out - bonus! Otherwise, a few enterprising souls have developed tools that allow you to change them in the car - but that won't help you with the u-joint.
It's not too bad. I have a thread on it, but it's not a step by step. Get the Bentley manual and get the car up on 4 stands. While you have it out, change your ball joints, change your transmission fluid, and the O-Ring for the crankshaft position sensor. If you have xenon headlights you need to watch the orientation of the self leveling sensor on the LF control arm. Do NOT buy OEM bushings. Get the Powerflex polyurethane bushings. They'll last forever and I've not noticed any increased noise, but I did notice greatly increased steering response.
I found this helpful when I did mine. Its not bad. Mini Cooper S (R53): Installing Powerflex RTA Inserts
Here's another video that's pretty clear of the same method from the first video. Warning, sound quality is weird, so turn down your speakers to start. [ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7kQn82QB7U"]MINI Cooper service on control arm bushing lca easy how to wishbone powerflex power flex - YouTube[/ame]
Minidave, can you replace the Ujoint on the steering column. Mini told me that the whole column needed to be replaced because that joint was starting to fail. I have never heard of this part failing in any car I have ever owned. it makes the steering jerky and tight in some spots. Had it to them because I thought it was the power steering but they said this joint was the problem.
Here's a DIY... steering | Spec R53 The part number is listed as a lower repair item on RealOEM.. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=RC33&mospid=48014&btnr=32_1279&hg=32&fg=30
Maybe try to work some oil into that u-joint to try and get it to move smoothly again before you go to the trouble of removing the whole shaft?