Tuesday evening on my way home from work, not quite as I hoped it would be. Steering pump shorted and started electrical fire, the rest is history. First on the scene was the Fire Chief but not much hope with that small extinguisher. The fire truck arrived 10 minutes later but not much left at that time.

Driving along at 70 mph, been on the highway only for a mile or so, saw the heat in the rear view mirror, steering failed first (noticed as I steered towards edge of road), complete brake failure next (pedal all the way to the floor), engine stated to miss but still running. All I could do was hang on the handbrake (gearbox in neutral), stopped after a couple hundred feet and bailed out. Lost all personal possessions (passport, drivers license, credit cards, portable hard drives etc.) as the auto door lock system had locked the hatch and by the time I got the car stopped complete electrical failure had occurred and getting back in the car to pull the manual hatch release was not an option. Thankful to escape with only a few burns.

 

Wow.....glad to hear you are ok. Everything else can be replaced. I'm newer to the mini world and I keep reading the odd post or story about the stock steering box and cooling fan. Maybe we should all take a look at ours and replace it before things go south.

 

No problem that will buff out.

Seriously though, the part that really blows is losing the personal items.

 

Yeah, unfortunately my insurance agent only put liability on her so there went a quick $6K, however that was ultimately my fault for not checking the coverage. Funny how it went out, no indications at all, 10 seconds before she was running perfectly.

 

Glad you are ok, and sorry for the loss.

I can tell you this I am going to take mine to the shop Tuesday to have to checked over, it was going to happen anyway, your story just accelerated the process.

I got my new Fluid Lines from ECS last week.

 

Sorry for side tracking this thread......but like I said I have read about the steering being an issue. Guys.....what exactly is the issue? Bad hoses, bad rack, bad cooling fan? I want to nip this ASAP!!!!

 

I think it’s a host of different problems. I recently replaced both feed and return lines on my MINI. They leaked like Exxon Valdez at random times it seemed temp dependent. I also made sure to clean and I mean clean all the crap that built up on the subframe from the leak. I also flushed numerous amounts of fresh fluid thought the system and replaced the fill cap o-ring.

If you have your subframe down I would also inspect the harness and make sure it has no chaffing and that it’s still clipped to the brackets. I’m hoping in the long-term that MINI issues a formal recall. I hope the OP files a complaint with NHSTA because unless people start doing this BMW/MINI won't be forced to do a thing.

 

Oh carp! Glad you're ok though. Sorry for your loss, Domi. This is the exact reason why I'm going for a pump delete kit that we've been discussing over this thread:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...rmanently.html

Was among those who appreciated your SC DIY rebuild breakthrough. Sad this happened to you, man. Perhaps MINI can offer you a hand here.

 

Yeah, definitely an eye opener. Hope Condor can come up w/ the reversible plug & play delete option quick so we can rid our cars of 1 dangerously failing electrical part. I can live w/ a bit more steering resistance w/o this fear.

 

I am not the original owner of my 2004 MCS's so did not receive ant communication from Mini USA. I understand there was/is a extended warranty offered on these pumps, I am sure what was my Green Mini exceeded the mileage limitation but what years did it cover. Are there pumps out there that will fit the 2004 MCS that does not have the issue. Did they make a change to the pump design at anytime in its production run. I ask as my two kids both have a 2004 MCS (the green one was mine) and need the power assist but if there was a better unit (design change) it sure would ease my mind.

 

http://www.motoringfile.com/2013/06/...nty-extension/

06 pumps must have been updated. Check w/ MINI. Failing pumps aren't supposed to cause fires.

 

MINI did update the pumps in March 2005, which is why the extended warranty only covers up to that production date.

However, even the newer pumps are failing. It failed in my '06, and others have reported '06 failures on this forum. Not covered by warranty.

 

There WAS a service campaign to look at the cables around the PS pump....grommets were added if I recall right on some cars....
Extended warrenty on the pump was to 150,000 miles/13 years I think....
Terrible thing to have happen.....I would be pissed off at an agent for not pointing out to me what coverages I had skipped...working with an agent, as opposed to an internet website, you are paying for the extra service!! Wish you had gotten it....
Glad you are OK....
There was once a sticky flaming mini thread due to this...but the service campaigns and various parts changes and updates seemed to have stopped 99% of fires....they are pretty rare now...does not help you now though....
Best of luck with your replacement ride!!

 

<<<<<I think it’s a host of different problems. I recently replaced both feed and return lines on my MINI. They leaked like Exxon Valdez at random times it seemed temp dependent. I also made sure to clean and I mean clean all the crap that built up on the subframe from the leak. I also flushed numerous amounts of fresh fluid thought the system and replaced the fill cap o-ring. >>>>>>>>>>

Did you use the synthetic spec fluids like we are supposed to??

 

It's not about the fluid or the leaks. The pump shorts out and the connector on top of it melt and catch on fire. Like ZippyNH said, there's a thread on here about electrical fires (either steering pump or abs). A couple of lucky NAMers actually spotted the melted connector before it was too late.

Anyway, it sucks, but at least Domiracer is ok.

 

Well, Ghost, at least you have a proven delete kit handy!
Hope this doesn't happen to anyone else.

 

Did that company ever get to making a delete block yet? I would like to nip this in the but before it goes bad.

I had a 99 Civic coupe that had the power steering disconnected. I just plugged the hoses with caps. It wasn't that bad. Parking lots weren't awesome to be in but driving anything over 10 mph was fine.

 

Well, there's a bit of delay on the delete block. Once done & tested, word will be out ASAP.

 

Well, not over the loss of Green but decided to help the issue by buying a replacement. Red is up on stands waiting for a new clutch, etc. and is now sharing the workshop with Blue (could not bring myself to get another green one)!

 

That's the best therapy & antidote! Grats!!!!

 

Wow!! That was fast!!
Bet green is still smoking....and the replacement is in the garage!!
Congrats on finding a replacement so fast!!

 

Ah, had my eye on this one for a couple weeks now, would officially had a fleet of 2004 MCS's had Green not self destructed. Blue needs a new tensioner, idler pulley and belt as well as new spark plug tube seals but beyond that all is good, Officially registered a complaint with the NHTSA, not expecting anything to come of it but need to keep the statistics on the level. BTW I did have comp insurance put on the Blue Red and White today so lesson learned!

 

Good for you and congrats on the replacement

 

That delay was because of me, sorry about that. I was/am donating the rack to the shop that is making the 'delete kit'. I was a little behind in removing and shipping it, but I can now say that I have done all that, so I expect that Carlos will get the kit together in short order.

 

Hey c0op, thanks for your generosity & the great service you've done for our Gen1 brethren. You shouldn't apologize!
Guys, credit for the development of this kit goes to c0op3r & Carlos of Condor Speed Shop. It's gonna be a reversible plug & play.

Stay tuned!!!