My cooper RV (I practically live out of my car) just had the stut on the hatchback go out. It worked one day and the next it didn't. Has anyone else had similar problems? My mini is a 2003 with 85K. I move around A LOT and am having a difficult time getting it in to the dealership. Anyone have any suggestions, besides a stick to prop it open (thanks Dad)?

The second concern, I had a day when the power steering didn't work. It works fine now. Should I be concerned?

 

The gas struts are not expensive, and are easy to replace.

Make sure you silicone the hidges on the hatch also, one of mine snaped in half on my 03, and that was not easy to replace.

Mark

 

When it is very cold those dampers get sluggish; at the first cold snap each year I bump my head on the hatch because I’m used to it swinging out of the way, after that it becomes an explicit action to move the hatch door all the way to the top during cold weather.

 

I would be alittle worried about the power steering. Get that checked out ASAP.

 

I'll second that. What year is your MINI? The PS motor has caused a few engine bay fires. One of the early warning signs is PS failure. Get it checked.

 

Thanks for the input! I'll get it checked out as soon as I reach a big city. My mini is a 2003 with 85K.

 

Check that there's plenty of fluid in the reservoir.