I have 74000 and some odd miles on my 03 Cooper. I have noticed some issues with the steering and am trying to figure out whether it is the PS pump or the steering rack. In the AM the steering seems very heavy - more so to one side vs the other. I crank the steering wheel to listen for the pump whine and do hear it -the fan also seems to be working. I know that this is about the mileage that the PS pumps seem to go. I also have read some threads on steering racks - what are the symptoms when the rack is going.
I unfortunately live 90 miles from the dealer and frankly also don't want to pay their labor costs. I have been taking the car to a local mechanic that seems pretty good on most things.
Is there a way of telling if it is the pump or the steering rack?

 

Wow, my 2002 MCS with 124K has just shown exactly the same symptoms. Steering very heavy at slow speeds, better when up to speed, so some assist is still there.

My mechanic says that the power steering pump itself is the culprit and he is ordering another one from the dealer right now. He says "expensive" and about 2 hours labor to replace it.

If I recall, a new steering rack itself was like $700 and then more labor to drop the sub frame and replace it. But I don't know how to determine which problem you have.

 

My ps rack (blew an O-ring inside the bellows) was $1,296 to replace, + $120 for a 4-wheel alignment.

the only symptom that clued me into the rack going was a slight groan on hard left turns, and the fluid reservoir being empty (drained into the bellows.)

 

OUCH!! I would say that $1,296 plus the necessary alignment is expensive. I have not gotten my bill for the PS pump yet, but I don't think (hope?) it will be that much

 

remanufactured/new pump runs around $500-$600 and up. just for the part. if you're not having the work done at the dealer you're probably looking at $700-$800. if you are doing it at the dealer $1000 or more. upwards to $1400 if you need a new fan and/or hoses.

 

Thanks, that's about what I thought. I am probably looking at $700-$800. The rack is not my problem - yet!!