I have having an issue with my steering. The effort is high and the wheel does not want to return to on center. I am guessing the pump is bad, and this car (05 cooper) is not covered by the recall as I called the dealer. Before I go and order a reman pump, I just want to make sure it is not another issue. To summarize, the steering effort has increased and when I come out of the corner I have to bring the steering back to center myself for the most part. Another way to describe is that the steering is a little jerky.
Thanks for any input,
George

 

Enter your VIN on MINI's open recalls page HERE to find out for sure, but I believe your car is within the window (cars made between 2002-2005) to qualify for the recall.

You can read more about it HERE.

 

It might not be your power steering pump. I am currently having the same issue, so i was perusing the forums and you might want to check the lower steering shaft and the condition of the u joints. This might save you from ordering an expensive part that is not needed to be replaced.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mc-w-pics.html

 

Did you ever hear any noises from the power steering pump? I would check if the power steering pump is turning on. If not, check power and ground to the pump, if present, the pump could be faulty.

 

+1.... Mine is 02 and bringing-in my car in a week for power steering pump, although no issue yet at 57,000 miles, better safe than never, its free of charge.

 

That does sound more like my problem, thanks for the heads up. Now as far as expensive parts go, PS Pump is about $300 and the shaft looks to be $275! I will look it over tomorrow afternoon and chime in with what I found.


This is why I ask first and thanks to all the spoke up. I did check the warranty and was told by Mini that my car was manufactured after the change.

 

If it's the shaft u-joint just spray it with wd40 or any other lubricant. Ive sprayed mine twice after it froze up 2 years ago with no issues.