I'm new here and to the MINI community. I have a 2006 MCS with 175k miles that I've had for about a month. I went through a car wash (this may just be coincidence) and at low RPMs my power steering wasn't working. This was an off and on issue for a couple days. Well, now it is out completely. I have a full PS reservoir but I did notice some fluid appears to be leaking where the hose attaches. I haven't looked any lower than that yet. I'm just asking for advice on what to look for and to replace. A good parts supplier and any general advice on a fix. Thanks for the time and assistance everyone. I love my MINI!!!

 

Hello,

Depends on the year MINI that will be covered under the PS recall. Think it was just to 05. Double check you production date and make sure you are an 06.

You might have damaged or soaked the power steering fan or connection. Check you power steering fan and pump fuses first. Everything is linked in the thread below with parts and locations.


Then if not we have linked the parts in this thread. Most likely the pump or fan failed.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-problems.html







Thanks

 

Thank you so much!

 

No problems , go through all those checks first. Then if you need the parts they are all linked.

 

Only the first couple months of the 2005 model year cars were covered by the recall....
About a 99% chance the pump or the attached electronics are dead...solution..a new/rebuilt pump.
Be sure to use the right PS fluid when you add or refill fluid....using the wrong stuff can cause major issues...
Weeping hoses can be replaced...but sometimes a new clamp is all that is needed...

 

I deleted the entire system with a ps delete from condor speed shop

 

So I looked under the car and there is a ton of fluid. It looks like something exploded but all the parts look fine and other than the hose I can't tell where it came from.

 

How's the steering effort now?

 

Also, did you do the install yourself? How long did it take?

 

"So I looked under the car and there is a ton of fluid. It looks like something exploded but all the parts look fine and other than the hose I can't tell where it came from. "

You might have a bad line and leaked out or came off. Check those first, replace and fill with the CHF I have linked above. Then see if the pump is still good. While you are down there look at the fan also, make sure it spins freely by hand ( with pointer finger ) and the grille is there and not damaged or holding the fan blade.

Thanks and good luck.

 

So, I had a mechanic check it out and he said even though the fuses are good, the pump isn't getting power. Is this a known problem with a possible solution other than a new pump?

 

Wonder if one of the guide tire guide bars at the carwash tore the line....
Look around for a cut PS hose...
And ONLY refill it with the right chf PS fluid...many vw cars and some Mercedes use the same stuff...so if the mini dealer is far away...you might try one of them...and napa usually has it...ask!!

 

Yea, that's what I was thinking zippy, good to check for damage. Those drive through car washed with the wheel ramps and holders really come close to the MINI chassis.

There is a electrical connection plug at the top of the pump, make sure its plugged in all the way. See connection.




The main fuse for the pump is in the engine bay by the near side (left hand side of the car facing forwards) strut tower FL4 it should be a 100amp fuse , underside of the fuse box.

Click Here for link for fuse.


Correct CHF PS fluid linked above.


Thanks and i hope you can find the issues. Was the lines the issues on the fluid ?

If all checks out ok, your pump has finally failed.

 

+1 on checking the connectors. One member recently posted pictures of a completely burnt up connector. I searched for the thread, but wasn't able to track it down.

 

At 175k you're most likely looking at a pump. I would replace it while you're in there. $450 at NAPA with lifetime guarantee. It's the same aftermarket rebuilt everyone else is selling I've seen them in the $375 range, but with NAPA's lifetime warranty if you're keeping the car it's a no brainier
Dealer quoted about $800 for their rebuilt plus install. They're easy to install by dropping the sub frame

 

Ok so I got a better look at everything and my power steering cooling fan doesn't come on. It's clean and moves freely when I try but it isn't getting power :/ Could it be the wiring? I assume that I will just have to replace the whole shebang now. ECS I ordered some fluid and lines! I think I might have to order the fan now too.

 

I'm dumb. Fan just wasn't working when I happened to look. Decided to double check and it's all good!

 

If you opt to get the $50 Condor PS Pump Delete Kit, here's the procedure(post#106):
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...le-soon-5.html

Here's the simple kit:

 

Where are the banjo bolts exactly? I see that install process looks easy but someone said it took 2.5 hours. Where are they underneath?

 

The banjo bolts connect the hoses to the rack.

 

I can't get the damn banjo bolts undone!

 

Soak them with penetrating fluid , free all spray, and let set for a while.