Hey guys, new to mini's here and my son and I are running into a problem with his R53. The pump had been buzzing or humming while the car was off. Everything I've researched here says the pump is bad. They are pricey and he is only 18 with a part time job. I've driven cars without power steering before and I'm thinking he can do this and not damage anything further. Can I get some confirmation on that tho? Also this comes 2 days after replacing the PS lines and reservoir.... Sucks but just gotta tackle one problem at a time.

Thanks
Dom

His is a 02 MCS

 

Check with your local dealer. Yours should be part of a recall and they will replace it for free.

 

Does it matter that he is not the original owner?

 

Definitely part of the recall since it's an 02.

Like pikwit said, call and take it to the closest dealer for a new free pump.

On a side note, since you asked, someone did make an adapter that allows you lose the pump and still keep fluid in the rack. They described the steering as being better than when you lose the pump, but not nearly as good as a real manual steering car.

 

No, you don't need to be the original owner, it's a safety recall

 

Really?!?! This is interesting but a quick Google search and it looks like they only covered it for 13yes and 150k miles. Can someone post up a link?

Thanks
Dom

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ng-recall.html

On the same page as your post, about 5 post lower


I also have an 02, the old coverage was warranty repair, it is now a safety recall. We aren't making this up lol

 

I can't confirm you won't damage anything with it off. You will be forcing fluid through systems that are not made available when the pump is on.

There is a "power steering delete" option that will redirect the flow allowing you to go without the pump.

https://www.condorspeedshop.com/prod...teering-delete

for the price, and a few hours of work you'd be able to get away with a safer fix

 

Yep, thats the adapter I mentioned earlier before. Luckily dfera has an 02 and he won't have to try it.

Hopefully he's close to a dealer and they don't make him wait for the recall work.

 

Well thanks for helping this first time poster. I relayed all the info to my son so we can call the dealer Monday morning.

Dom

 

And if, for whatever reason, the dealer doesn't repair it, there are companies that rebuild the pumps for about $250. (I used ModuleMaster, pre-recall). Not cheap, but better than $800+

 

Ditto! ....My 2006 is not covered under the warranty ...So instead i too got a rebuilt pump from BBA Remanufacturing Inc. for 300.00 and it carries a Lifetime Warranty ....

 

There are factory ZF units here, newest part , if you are out of the year range. I would check thsoe P/S lines also for leaks while you are at it.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-question.html