Hello fellow Chicago Mini-mongers- can anybody recommend a nearby shop (OHare "region" lol), that can be trusted to wrench on my '05 MCS? At 73K, there are a few things I would like a 2nd opinion about (plus I'm allergic to "CDIG" (Car Dealerships In General)).

thx,
Tatt

 

Not real close to OHare, but I had my PS fan replaced at Axels Automotive in Lake Bluff this summer.
I've been going there for work on both my MINIs for a couple years now, and have always been happy with the service. They have an ex-MINI tech working there so they are knowledgeable about the cars.
I was just there last week to have the CVT trans fluid and radiator fluid flushed.

 

You could do it yourself as it is very easy to do.......

 

Thanks man. I will def. give them a call or visit the shop. Tooting my own horn, I just swapped in new manual transmission oil (redline MTL) this past weekend while i had it up on ramps for oil change (good weather is growing scarce for DIY). Coolant remains to be done, as the factory coolant is surely getting a little tired, i'm just paranoid about running hard water from the hose, thru the system.

Tatt

 

Wait a minute... You did your own tranny fluid change yet you can't remove a few bolts and a plug?

 

OKOK, i'm duly razzed... Thing is, it seems like I might have a chain of issues and I'm curious if everything or most of everything, is connected. I suppose I could manage to swap the fan out in the driveway yes (*smack for Ken the smartaleck!) but... I'm trying to connect the dots here, looking for someone smarter than me to help with that (shouldn't be too hard to find that person, eh? ).

AC compressor was replaced recently (not in my driveway, it was big dollar job, at least I got a new vbelt then too) and the tech noted at that time that the PS fan was seized. It must have been that way for a WHILE. Now, the new compressor doesn't seem to blow as cold.. Plus, i am positive my engine fan is behaving differently than it used to. Have a hunch that only high speed is working... I found some posts that seemed to fit these symptoms, and the posters talked about replacing main cooling fan, PS fan, PS pump, AC compressor, etc etc. It would be cool to avoid that expensive mess if possible, (though I really do love the rare luxury of weekend garage time to bond with the car, listening to my wind chimes and sports on AM radio, flitting to Sears for the odd hex socket etc).

Maybe in addition to the shop recommendations, I need a non-dealer source for parts such as a PS fan for my 05 MCS (for ken's sake once I find one cheap, i will swap it out on the frozen tundra of my driveway I promise )

I continue to appreciate the responses, and if this thread doesn't belong in the chicago club forum I won't take it personally if somebody says so, or moves it.

Ken u dawg I thought of you today while I was having a Polish and cheese fries @ Portillo's Hot Dogs . You goin' to Starved Rock on 22nd?

Tatt

 

Have you tried Import Service Center in Glenview? I know they have had MINI events there in the past, and the rumor is the owner drives one.

 

Power steering fan is about 133 from waymotorworks.com. It is a 15 min job topps. The radiator fan is only about $80 from rock auto, but it is about a 3 hour job.. I did mine myself...it was a pain.
If you get the new ps fan, get the duct kit from moss mini for 80$. It will protect the fan from snow, road grit, rain, etc, and make it the last time you ever need to replace you fan.
Ps...most places sell the ps fan as a seperate unit. If you want the whole fan assembly....so you don't have to replace 4 screws on the old assembly, plan on spending 180-230$ for the part. Labor should be the shop minimum...heck if you buy the part, a non-mini shop can do it in 15 minutes.

 

we'll be there

 

If you haven't fixed the ride yet, Check out Hubbard Woods Motors in Winnetka. Factory parts at aftermarket prices. Factory Trained MINI Technician...ME

 

This is good to know. I've driven past a bunch of times. Are you guys open Saturday's too?

 

Sorry... were not open on Saturday's... But with an early drop off or a late pickup monday thru friday, we can take care of most. With the train station directly behind the shop, if we can't get you a loaner -- we have MINI's .