Has anyone ever have their power steering system fail while driving?? I have an 2004 R50 and the fluid in the tank and yet I have no idea whats wrong. Any suggestions? Thanks

 

Yes, it happens. One fellow club member had his go out in his 2005 MCC on the way home from the dragon this year. He was able to drive all the way home without any real problems.

Time to call the dealer or find a good shop.

 

mine failed while i was driving some where... im too lazy to fix it and plus i like having no power steering..

u might have a leak...or u might have something cloggin your power steering fan..

 

So it's ok to run long term with the powersteering disabled? Would pulling a fuse to see what it's like be ok to do? I have never had powersteering fail, but I've driven cars without it, it's fun. But they had steering systems 'geared' for no power assistance.

 

thanks for the advise guys!

 

I really wouldn't suggest driving with a failed P/S pump. With all the strange Engine fires I would be concerned. The main battery power to the pump isn't fused, and wouldn't want it to short. That can cause a fire.

 

sheepishly raises hand from the back of the room...

no PS.. that would be me lost it about 10 miles before Knoxville heading home to CHGO. At first, I thought I was just tired. Then, on a long, sweeping turn on the highway, I noticed the steering was really tight and it took a bit of effort to get the MINI to make that slight turn.

We pulled off to get gas and I knew I was in trouble because I had trouble trying to steer the car near the pump. After sitting for 10 minutes, the PS was fine. then, 10-15 minutes on the road, it was out again. I'd say I drove nearly 600 miles without PS. Luckily driving through Indiana is pretty straight. The MINI is not set-up to drive without PS.

I got it fixed the next day at the dealer under warranty.

 

My 03 cooper lost it's power steering while parked and then caught on fire.So far I am into it for a new pump, plug fan, wiring harness, fluids,pressure hose and a lot of labor.Has anyone else had a problem like this? Unfortunatly the car has 60k on it and is no longer in warranty.

 

An elegant solution would have been to leave power steering out altogether or at least make it optional. The electro-hydraulic steering is just one more thing to break, and it will break. My latest power steering motor is in the whining phase and will die soon. I have absolutely no problem turning the steering wheel, even at a stop, when the power steering is not working.

 

My 04 cooper's power steering failed right after I drove down the freeway. I have my car tolled to the dealer, and they said the power steering oil pump was broken. I got mine replaced for free. If you are still within the warranty, go fix it as soon as possible. If not, maybe it's the time to shop for an extended warranty. :D