At low speeds it seems I am using more effort to turn. How do I check it out? BTW Where is the P/S reservoir? It steers fine at cruising speeds. I am 3 1/2 hours from the nearest dealership so I am trying to make sure what my problem is before i make the trip. 2004 MC. Thanks,Bill

 

Also, has anyone here had a P/S pump replaced at the dealership? Is it a one day job? Thanks.

 

UKNUT:
The MINI uses a synthetic hydraulic oil (number is on the cap of the power steering bottle behind the engine) NOT ATF, or standard power steering fluid and it's expensive, $16 or more for a can. We lost our fluid because the seals on either end of the power steering rack were slowly leaking the fluid some people report bad PS pumps too. If it's bad steering rack seals you can check this out by turning the steering all the way to lock and look at the rubber boot at the end of the steering rack, look for the tie rod end that attaches to the lower suspension. If the rubber boot is wet or saturated with "oil" the rack is leaking. Classic MINI replaced the entire rack under warranty. Let me say it could be something else in the P.S. system but it is my understanding this is a common problem with MINIs.

Dave S.
Bedford, OH
electric blue '05 MCS
20,000 fun miles with lots of smiles

 

My PS fluid is disappearing from the resavoir. the rubber boots on the ends of the rack seem squishy.

Unfortunately I have now accumulated 50,500 miles. I doubt MINI will be of any assistance. I don't have the money for a huge repair bill....

Ann

 

The PS reservoir is in the center, next to the coolant surge tank. It is the black canister with the screw-on lid. If the fluid is low but there is no sign of leakage, a bit of history has shown it to be caused by the steering rack leaking fluid into the end boots where it's retained and does not immediately show as a problem. The fluid will be foamy if it gets low, and the pump will tend to get noisier.

If low, do not add common power steering fluid. The steering takes Pentosin CH 11 synthetic fluid. Anything else might cause trouble later on if not immediately.

Some people have had issues with the pump itself as well. The pump itself had a variable speed electric drive system. The pump runs slower when no effort is imparted to the wheel, and accelerates when effort increases. If the pump is not 'throttling' properly, you will have hard steering. You can test this by starting the engine and 'stalling' it by letting out the clutch in gear when parked. The pump will continue to run and be more audible now that the engine is not running. In this condition, slightly turn the wheel. You should hear the pump pick up speed against your effort and then bear down and get a bit louder as effort increases. The pump will labor loudly with the steering wheel turned against the stops. If the pump does not pick up speed with effort, then the pump is faulty.

 

I just started having power steering problems with my 2003 cooper s. I have a late 2002 build vehicle...the problem is intermittent. It basically goes out just as I am trying to turn into a parking lot, or trying to manuever in tight conditions. It appears to be totally random. I called Mini USA and also my dealer and they want to see it. Sounds like I need to make a call to roadside assistance and have them drive it 3.5 hours to the dealer.

Any pointers on what to check? The fluid isn't low and I don't see any leaks from the boots on the tie rods. I've read of some others having electrical problems so I hope I don't have to go down that road. Luckily I have a WRX sitting on the garage to drive in the meantime but this just sucks.

Matt