I understand that the power steering on 1st gen Mini's basically self destructs. What is the best way to get the most life out of it? I was thinking that never steering till the wheel stops, running Royal Purple Power steering lubricants, and avioding plastic bags that can get caught up in the fan while driving. Anyone think that may help?

 

See this thread...
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...uid-flush.html

I don't think there is really anything we can do to extend the life of the PS pump. So go bad, some don't.

 

There is a X NAM member who has found the perfect solution to the best way to get the most life out of the power steering. He can't post on here anymore but I'll share his secret.















He keeps it up on jack stands and rarely ever drives it, I think he rather just enjoys painting stuff on it and adding junk to it. LOL

Other than that, drive the car and enjoy it, fix it if it breaks and drive it some more.

 

 

I think having a proper wheel alignment and balancing would help too. Even if you're just barely turning the wheel to keep the car straight, the power steering motor is engaged so on a long trip, it would get a good workout.

 

p.s. cooler

 

Now that's a good idea.

 

Here is a quick "how-to" on a power steering cooler. Does the type or size of the cooler matter? Can any type of radiator work or does it HAVE TO BE a certain size? I live in AZ. and want to keep my 03S fluids at an "optimal" temperature. I am also looking for some Royal Purple or RedLine fluid for my supercharger.
http://www.go-fast.org/z28/pscool.html

 

the guy that cant post here(and doesn't want to) anymore ; ran a p.s. cooler off the return side (low pressure) . he used what he had layin around. had a fan on it too i think . i'll be doing same when i get back to work . .but essentially , you just want to keep it simple. i'm going with a simple loop to the radiator (in front of) with a small cooler (loop style) and more insulated wrap on lines in engine bay near header. i'm prolly gonna move the res over to where my intake box used to be to keep it cooler.i'm installing a better fan from a1 electric on monday . the added volume and the new locations and better fan should keep the fluid from ruining the rebuilt pump .

 

great how-to . i like the location and fit . i may copy some of that .

 

MINI decided that it is about time they found the solution and we stopped thinking of one... MINI COOPER POWER STEERING FAN DUCT, this is an original part that costs a $100, it is a plastic board clipped to the bottom of your mini with a small duct that takes air towards the fan... fan gets covered, no dirt gets inside it... more air to the pump thru the fan and everyones happy.
check it out i'm installing it in a couple of weeks

http://new.minimania.com/web/Item/NME7640/InvDetail.cfm

here's the link enjoy

 

I was looking at the duct a few weeks ago but decided not to get one because I have not read anything about it in this forum site (good vs. bad) The price is good and a mere $100 could eventually save me a lot (to include a headache)

Thanks for the reminder!

Have you found anything about a fan that moves more air than the small fan that we have now? I am sure the duct works great while in motion but if I am in traffic and its 110 degrees, will it still keep the power steering cool? Maybe if I combine a power steering fluid cooler (like an oil cooler but smaller) with the duct, I should be in good shape.

 

That is the concern for folks looking to get this......stationary cooling.

At speed I am sure it works great, but stopped not so sure. Also you have to remove this to change the oil.

 

do a search on p.s. fan . i got a fan from a-1 electric . it really puts out some air. the mounts are the same but you gotta get screws ands locks and nuts .then there's the wiring, you gotta splice . but no big deal .

 

a

a 1 electric - spal 4 inch pull style fan item # 30103018

$ 83.90