So here is what happenned. Over the last few weeks, as the weather is getting colder here in NY, I noticed that when I start my car that a strange grinding sound comes from the front and when I turned the steering wheel from side to side the grinding sound was replaced with the loudest whirrrrrrrrr you have ever heard. It also felt as though the steering was fading in and out. After a minute it would be fine. Brought the car to Hassel Mini and I came to find out that the Rack and Pinion was binding and they needed to replace the entire Rack and Pinion Steering ? ? What the hell is that ? ? Has anyone ever heard of this?? Does anyone think this will effect the longevity of "The M1N1". Please let me here your comments. FYI, a week after I first got the car I had to get it towed back to the dealer after the gear shift cable snapped in two. Is this a bad sign?

 

Same experience with my 2002 Mini. 19500 miles and I noticed the same type noises. Checked the fluid in the PS and found it to MT. Called the 24 hour HOT LINE and had it trailored in to the dealer 40 miles away. TWO weeks and five phone calls later and I was told the entire R&P was replaced. There was never any noticable leaks because the boots were filling with fluid. Never saw a drop on the ground! Seems to be fine now. Sure hope they plan on offering and EXtended warrenty on the 02's. Only other problems have been the cig liter quite working and the air bag light kept coming on. Both fixed by dealer quickly with out a problem. Anybody experiencing their temp outside guage bliking off and on and beeping when it is below 38 degrees? Is this a warning sensor that there may be ice on the road?

 

Yeah...i heard a couple of beeps the other day when it was just above freezing...Are you serious that it is warning for ice??

 

It only happens when you droop close to freezing so I think it is ofr possible ice.

 

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The same thing happened to me, and MINI of Towson replaced my steering rack. Everything has been great since then, however. I haven't heard to much about this problem here, so I'm hoping these are isolated incidents!

 

Had to have my 02 MCS steering shaft and rack& pinion replaced. Judging from other threads both here and on MINI2, this is not uncommon.