Hi, all, I've recently found out about some problems that I need to have done. I need to have the Steering Rack replaced due to a PS fluid leak, Water Pump replaced, and Shifter Shaft Seal replaced.

There's a ton of labor for some of these. The Water Pump is almost 4 hours, and the seal is almost 3. Are any of these things that I can do myself?

Thanks for the info.

What year and type of mini (50-53-56) is this?

It all can be done as a DIY but do you have the tools, knowledge, patience to try to tackle this yourself?

I myself evaluate the cost of what someone wants to charge me vs how much it would cost and how long it will take for me to do it. Sometimes I can come out "ahead" when I do it. Sometimes it costs me more to do it myself (if you factor in your time as a cost).

Sometimes it is worth paying someone to do it because if there are any issues you have some recourse to get them corrected. If you install the water pump and it leaks then you will be doing it again or paying someone else to do it again.



It is completely up to you to decide what it is worth to you.

Depends on your DIYability.

You'll need the Bentley manual.

I have a Bentley. BTW, my MINI is '03 with 153K miles. Dealership told me today that without repairs they'd give me $3K as trade-in value. I think it's worth more if it's fixed.

Yes, it is all a DIY. The subframe needs to be lowered for the steering rack replacement. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...23#post1420223
Most of the stuff on the front will need to come off to pull the water pump and you might as well change the supercharger fluid while you’re at it, post #71. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...t=74674&page=3 .

Could you please provide some details about the “shifter shaft seal”? If I can see what it is, I probably have something you can use as a guide.

I don't have a supercharger, justacooper.

The "sifter shaft seal" as I understand it, is the seal where the axle goes into the transmission.

I assume you mean a drive axle seal. Removing the drive axles is easier with the subframe lowered especially accessing the half shaft bearing mount on the right side.



Use a stout prybar to pull the axle on the left side. The left strut and steering knuckle can be supported in place and don't need to be removed as shown in this photo.

How much requires removal depends on which seal needs replacing.

The Bentley (230-6) has a description of replacing the seal; PVC pipe or wood block can substitute for the OEM seal driver, contact Jeff, Scott, or Dr. Mike at TSW for some tips, I know they replaced an output drive seal with another from a used Cooper case.

The water pump on a Cooper can be replaced with the front in service mode, but it is easier with the radiator support removed also. There are fewer step involved than replacing one from an S model.

Thanks for the info, Khuevo. What is "service mode"? Also, any ideas about replacing the steering rack? Can I do that myself?

Service mode is to extend the radiator support away from the chassis by supporting it with extensions that screw onto studs which normally would be used to fasten the bumper.

The extension tool numbers are listed in the Bentley Service Manual which you will need for guidance on your repair project.

Yes, the steering rack replacement is another DIY.

Do I need an alignment after changing the steering rack? If so, is it even drivable to get one done?

Ok, after talking with another SA, it sounds like I"ve caused the problem on the steering rack myself. I changed the PS Pump myself a while back (summer maybe), and didn't look to use the correct fluid. I'm going to have the car up on a lift on Saturday, so hopefully we'll be able to get a better look ourselves and see what's going on there.

The seal appears to be the Drive Axle Seal, but I"m not sure which or both. Guess I'll know more after Saturday