MG ZS Steering Fault - clicking when turning

xichas said:

Hi there!

The procedure, made by me, solved the clicking problem for good! After 10.000Km done in different conditions and clicking is gone!

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That's good to know! I may try this process later. I must admit that the clicking right now happens sometimes and at the moment they doesn't annoy me very much.

Also, as I say repeatedly, the steering column is hugely safety-critical and if there is any clicking noises AT ALL from there it should be investigated by the dealer - many columns have been replaced under warranty which is the only safe solution.

Tim Green said:

Also, as I say repeatedly, the steering column is hugely safety-critical and if there is any clicking noises AT ALL from there it should be investigated by the dealer - many columns have been replaced under warranty which is the only safe solution.

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This is very wise advice, always get the problem checked out !.
It’s important to know if any of the parts like the lower universal joint has been compromised in any way.
In a lot of cases ( mine included ) the clicking noise ( in both models of the ZS EV we have owned ) is 100% coming from the upper section of the steering column assembly.
I know there is some owners who have had the complete steering column replaced under warranty.
But I can’t help wondering if this was diagnosed correctly 100% of the time TBH.
Why - Because if by increasing the torque value slightly of the manual adjustment nut on the upper clamp, does cure the clicking problem, then this has to point to this as being the problem area surely ?.
Increasing the torque value slightly is not going to rectify any internal issues that maybe present inside the column assembly.
But you are totally correct that the problem should be investigated thoroughly by a qualified professional.
Steering and brakes are the most important functions of the car and should be treated with respect !.

Tim Green said:

Also, as I say repeatedly, the steering column is hugely safety-critical and if there is any clicking noises AT ALL from there it should be investigated by the dealer - many columns have been replaced under warranty which is the only safe solution.

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You are right! But before the procedures, I took the car at least two times to the dealer and in the report they just made "torque adjustments" and reported that the steering column had no problems... After the adjustments clicking sound from the upper clamp stopped for a couple of days, but returned even worse... So after a inspection made by a external mechanic to the steering column that confirmed the integrity... So only after that I made the procedure. Last Friday for precaution I took the car again to the external mechanic and afterwards for about two or three months everything is still ok.... I just made the procedure myself because I have no time to go over and over to the dealer waiting for a diagnosis that on those two occasions never reported a steering column falut... So if anyone that wants to use this procedure has to be aware of the risks, disadvantages, and advantages... Use it at your own risk!!!!

Chris H said:

I notice most of the pictures on here show the pre-facelift model; I'm not sure my problem was exactly the same in my 2024 ZS EV Trophy. I had a clonk only when turning right, I haven't had the machine-gun type noises. Anyway, I took the car in to get it looked at (among other things) under warranty and they said it needed a replacement steering column. After several weeks waiting for the part it was finally done within a day a couple of weeks ago and happily the noise has now gone away.

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Did you use Hendy MG in Poole by any chance Chris? (from Ringwood myself). Just picked up a 2023 ZS EV Trophy and it's got the same knocking. Hoping these guys know of the issue and it's a straight forward thing they can undertake.
Cheers

Please see my note above on #262.

Tim Green said:

Please see my note above on #262.

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I’m using the 14 day return policy as leverage to get them to act on this urgently. Taking it in to the garage tomorrow (day after purchasing) to get looked at.

JasonR said:

I’m using the 14 day return policy as leverage to get them to act on this urgently. Taking it in to the garage tomorrow (day after purchasing) to get looked at.

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I've been to see the local MG technician and they confirmed the fault is as expected - upper steering column.

They confirmed that MG's repair process involves booking it in for an initial tightening of the appropriate bolts. Depending on the outcome of that, they then replace the entire upper steering column if needed (separate visit).

They did confirm it's a common fault, and one that they've seen before, and have confirmed the vehicle is safe to drive whilst the repairs are booked etc.

I'll keep mileage to a minimum in the meantime.

If they have 100% confirmed it is only the upper column assembly that is causing the clicking noise, then I don’t think you need to minimise your usage TBH.
They will attempt check tightening all of fasteners on the first appointment, then they may ask you to see how that goes, if the problem still persists, then they will likely raise a ticket with MG and ask for permission to order and then replace the upper column assemblies.

Lovemyev said:

If they have 100% confirmed it is only the upper column assembly that is causing the clicking noise, then I don’t think you need to minimise your usage TBH.
They will attempt check tightening all of fasteners on the first appointment, then they may ask you to see how that goes, if the problem still persists, then they will likely raise a ticket with MG and ask for permission to order and then replace the upper column assemblies.

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That’s good to hear. I appreciate it!