Hey

I have an 2002 R53 MCS with 81K on the odometer and I received my letter of extended warranty for the power steering pump/fan back in May 2013. I'm not sure if my power steering has failed completely. How do I know? During low speed driving/parking, I do notice it somewhat difficult to turn, but at the same time doesn't seem so bad. If completely failed, how difficult is it supposed to be?
Everything on the car is stock except for poly LCA bushings and thicker swaybar and I hope if this pump/fan is defective, I would like to have it replaced before it fails on me. I have about a year before it hits 13 years old and about 70K until the warranty extension runs out.

 

Tough to quantify how difficult it should be to turn. Does require a bit of effort at low speeds but shouldn't require too much. Power steering pump is electric and should make a bit of a "whining" noise when the car is running (most do). If it is making the noise, should change pitch when the wheel is turned (test by starting the car and just turning the wheel back and forth). You could also drive someone else's Mini or have them drive yours to see if it seems it failed. Just some quick thoughts.

 

Mine started with a whining sound and then it started randomly going out completely. You know it when it goes out trust me.

 

Thanks!
Maybe it's on it's way out then or my arms are pretty strong. Lol.
Anyway, I've got a year before it expires so maybe it'll go kaput this year rather than next?