Melinda Willette Neutral


Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 3



2006 Mini-Coooper S whining/revving issue
I own a Beautiful 2006, Mini Cooper S with only 50,000 miles on her. She has had no problems until recently. Up to 2000 RPMs she revs and whines. The sound is getting louder. I've taken her to a foreign auto mechanic, who I trust and he takes her for a ride (never inspected her internally) and said power steering pump may be going, but okay to drive. I have noticed no problems with turning. Any and all thots would so appreciate. I love my Mini.

 

Have you checked the fluid level?

 

definitely check the fluid level, and maybe check to be sure that your power steering fan is working properly

 

Are you saying the sound is RPM related? The steering pump is electric so I wouldn't think it would influenced by RPM but more from let's say steering input. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable will chime in but RPM and electric steering don't seem related to me.

 

Not electric in the older gen cars as I recall.

 

I have a 2006 MCS and the steering pump is electrical according to the Bentley manual.

 

Ok, looks like electric hydraulic in those cars.

 

Can you post a video of the sound? It would be fairly easy to determine if you did.

 

Wish I could post video of sound - have no cell phone. TY, tho.

 

Yes, the sound is RPM related. From idling to 2000 RPM's only. Over 2000 RPMs no sound heard.

 

Racingguy04, I apologize ...63 yr old lady here! I've done some quick and easy fixes to my Mini - will def check the fluid level - is the fan in plain site? Here's a pick under the hood.

 

Have you checked your battery. You do have an electric pump, it your battery is weak, it will affect your pump along with the fan. My thought is that once you rev past 2000 rpms, the alternator is supplying enough juice to power those units, just my 2 cents. Get it checked out before you wind up spending 2 arms and 3 legs...

 

Thank You, gumbedamit - Will def check the battery! Also will check the fluid level and hopefully the fan is accessible to check. Would any of these pull out any codes - tempted to purchase a diagnostic code reader. Any suggestions of brand? Regular auto parts stores will check codes for free but no read outs for Mini's. Tho, trust my foreign motor guy - he has repeatedly told me power steering pump and car is ok to drive. (just test driving), I def want to check this out asap. Will begin this a.m. checking all above and keep you all posted. Still want to purchase a code reader. TY.

 

I don't have a Mini specific code reader. I currently use a Bluetooth unit that you can get from Amazon for about $15. If you had a smartphone you could download Torgue and check basic codes. The PS fan is under the car, not accessible from the top. Good luck, keep us informed.

 

How long have you had this car?

 

TY, gumbedamit - Yeah, as I said - don't have any cell phones or Bluetooth units. I did check my battery and fluid levels today - All Good. Yup, so right, couldn't access fan - would have to lift Mini. Called my foreign motor car guy today and demanded not to just test drive but full tech inspection. Appt Thursday. Will keep you posted. TY, gumbedamit.

 

Hello Melinda, maybe this guy is not the right person to service your car. Obviously there is something wrong with your car, him telling you that it is okay to drive tells me several things, he's not taking your safety into consideration, there being a problem with your steering can cause all kinds of problems on the road, then there's the cost factor, why wait until something gives out completely before fixing it. The problem may be minor currently, which could escalate to something more severe. Either he doesn't have the skill set to work on your car, or he doesn't care. I would find someone else. You should be able to locate a non-dealer Mini/BMW service center in your area.

 

I think we should back up a little.

Melinda, in order for a noise to be RPM-related, it has to get louder/higher in pitch directly as a product of the speed engine rotation. For example, it's loud at 1000rpm, louder at 1500rpm, loudest at 2000rpm. (Alternatively, the pitch would change in a similar manner, getting higher as RPM's increase.)

I'm going to go out on a limb and say it's not RPM-related, but like rwkeating said, I think it's steering-input-related.

Try this. Go turn your car on, and then move the steering wheel from far left to far right, and back. Do you hear that same whining?

If not, try to describe the noise more accurately. Where is it coming from? Can you still hear it below 2000rpm, but while moving, say, in 6th gear?

Can you give us a brief major service history for the car? Has anything steering-related ever been replaced? Let's figure this out, guys!

 

Does it seem weird to anyone else that a 63 year old woman with no cell phone or tech. savviness is into modding her R53?

 

-1

 

gumbedamit - will try this foreign auto guy one more time - very few to choose from in seacoast, NH. TY.

 

mda75 - look pal - 1.) I don't need a cell phone, I am retired. 2.) I've been working on cars and rebuilding Old Harley's most of my life - if you read correctly, I'm NOT modding my car. Don't bust my chops!

 

You tell 'em. I don't have one either and resent those that use theirs while on the same pavement as me.

 

Dear Sarom058, took your advice about starting Mini then steering wheel moving it all to the L/R ..no sound at either further end but, when begin to move steering wheel towards center, revving/whining began immediately, especially when steering wheel was in center position, loudest. Still after 2000 RPMs, no sound of whining or revving. Nothing serviced for power steering problems prior. TY for your great info!

 

mdaz75 - your comments to me were rude, inappropriate and totally uncalled for. "Weird" Look, Pal, once my Mini is fixed - we'll meet side by side and I'll smoke ya!