Steering issues - help diagnose

zudecke

Hi guys,

A month or so ago, a car crashed into the drivers side rear wheel of my Mini Cooper 2002 (Auto).

There were a number of issues as a result and I presumed that the noisy steering that I was hearing was also a result of the incident. When notifying the insurer, the other party sent an assessor to assess the damage and ascertain the plausibility of what I had given in my report. They sent the following report to the other party:

"Upon checking the Mini Cooper, it was found that the power steering fluid reservoir was empty. Upon closer inspection it is apparent that there is a leak in the pump, as confirmed by the garage.

The steering column is connected to the steering rack and internal bearings are situated between these two parts, it was found that the bearings were worn.

We conclude that both these faults are common of Mini Coopers irrespective of mileage and the garage confirmed they change 2-3 of these a month."

I really doubt I have a case worth fighting here, compounded by the fact that the garage is not on side in this case.

So generally speaking, what is the actual repair I need to get done and how much should I expect to pay?

Is it a new steering rack? A new steering column? Attention to the internal bearings? A new PS pump?

Regards,

Z

zudecke

Anyone have an idea?

jaydeeuk1

Tell them to shove their report - get one of your own. Tell them that the steering was fine before the crash, and since it is now knackered, and ask if they think it could be related (obv yes, but you want them to specify that in writing). Then get it fixed, and claim costs back from them

zudecke

Cheers jaydee.. The trouble is though, I didn't actually go through my insurer (for fear of inflating my renewal costs). Instead, the rental company, whose car crashed into mine, offered to repair my car and give me a courtesy car etc.

I stated the problems in writing, which they signed to. It was only once my car was in the garage (I chose the garage based on internet reviews) that they said they were sending an assessor down.

I even copied and sent over my MOT which was done 3 months prior to the incident and years worth of other MOTs and BMW service history.

The report is attached below:





Any ideas?

Sgt_Pepper_2

Did you inform your insurance company at the time?

s_b

i remember posting on your original thread op but your report you posted is pretty thorough and clearly says pre accident wear and tear and they are willing to go to court against you
these pumps are available for from £200 reconditioned plus fitting just make sure fitting garage use the recommended atf fluid as recommended by bmw
and move on