I think my power steering pump is going (2004 R53 w/60,000 miles) - makes a high whining noise (but works ok) all the time. Assuming that is the case...

Being a poor and a cheapskate, I think I can save a lot in repair cost by sending the pump to one of two rebuilders ( on Ebay) for about $200.

It would be really convenient if the car was drivable while the pump is being rebuilt. Anyone know if that is possible?

Thanks

Scott

 

not sure if the car is driveable w/o the pump... it will prolly be really really really difficult to steer (remeber the good ol' days of non-power steering?)

(btw, have you checked the fluid)

 

You will build muscles when trying to park the car or in low speed situations.

However, the steering system in the R53 MINIs is electro-hydraulic. The pump is driven by an electric motor (Not engine belts like in old conventional systems) but you still have a hydraulic pump and fluid to deal with.

In the second generation MINIs (R56 and Clubman) the steering system is all electric. There is no longer the need for a pump or steering fluid.

 

I checked the fluid and it may have been a little bit low. Adding fluid didn't help . How hard could a itty bitty car be to steer w/o power?

 

Very hard. Most younger people have not experienced the "joys" of driving a car with manual steering

 

I have owned dozens of cars w/o power steering.None were half as hard to steer as the MINI with a dead pump I would not recommend driving it.

 

I don't know if you're aware of this, and if you are, forgive me for stating the obvious....
The power-steering pumps in our cars are supposed to make a whining sound, that changes frequency as it is turned.
How long have you owned your MINI? When I got Emily ('02 MCS <39,000 miles, for sale), that was one of my first questions.
You say that it works okay, and was a little low in fluid.
I think (hope) you may be in good shape, Dude.
Good luck

 

I'm reasonably sure the mechanism has to be there to steer the car, whether it's powered or not. If you send the pump off for a rebuild, then, along with it goes a link in the mechanical process of steering.

At any rate, even if it would work without it, the steering ratio is not set up for manual steering. It would be possible though...I've coasted down a parking garage with the car off, you'll get a workout without power steering.

I'm actually still looking for a manual steering rack for my car. You'd save a lot of weight, simplify the car, and get closer to the essence of motoring.

Edit: yeah, I have driven cars without power steering before, two that were designed that way ('97 Geo Metro and a '95 Ford Aspire), and a third ('90 Mustang) that had broken p/s.

 

Ah yes, cars with broken PS. They are 10 times harder to steer than a car designed for non PS. Had a 67 Dodge Dart when I was a kid. Put one of those little 12" Grant steering wheels on it then shortly after the PS pump broke. Just pulled the belt and used it like that all through high school. Those were the days...

 

I find it interesting to note that different MINIs have different levels of whine. Mine was loud from new. I have heard some that were much quieter than others. I would not change a pump just because it seems louder than it used to. Mine lasted about 85k.

 

The pump in the 2005+ is much quieter. I used to have a 2002 MC and the pump was always very loud.

 

You can drive it with a failed PS pump - I drove mine for 4 days like that. However, I can't speak to being able to drive it with the PS pump removed. The effort is extreme - do you have Popeye arms? Also, one thing to consider, if you have an accident would you be driving an unsafe vehicle.

 

If you need some info on aftermarket sources and DIY for PS pumps this may help.

 

When mine went, I drove it about 15 miles of mixed driving to get it to the dealer.

I actually drove it about 1/4 of a mile before I was certain that the pump was completely gone. I am 6"1' and 225 and I think I would have difficulty parallel parking it with the pump off but once the car is rolling it is not difficult. Remember in this type of PS it is more active when you are going slow that at highway speeds--less "assist" needed there.

If the PS is not completely out I suggest you pull the fuses and drive bit w/o the PS. See if you can do it.

 

Thanks, I'll try that

 

I've recently posted a couple of threads on the PS issue. Mine went out. Yes, you can drive without the pump in the car. There is nothing else attached to the pump. BUT, like mentioned above, it is very hard to steer. A lot harder than the old cars with no PS. Very hard to steer when not moving at a good speed, extremely hard if trying to turn from a standstill. My 03 is kinda loud, but I've never thought of it as too loud. I knew about the ps sound when I bought it.

 

Thanks for the info

What did it cost you to replace the pump?

 

My total parts/labor was about $370. My pump had the problem of not turning off. ModuleMasters.com reman'd it for $225 + local mech $100 for labor + shipping.

 

I didn't have any warning and the pump shorted and caught fire.

The pump and fan were toast and the main power harness was damaged, as was the PS power harness and the battery shorted. All parts were OEM and the total bill was $3700 (Including towing and diagnostic at a MINI dealership when the power harness was not functioning properly)--thank goodness for extended warranty and comprehensive insurance. I was without the car for 2 month while I sorted it out with the warranty people (my auto insurance--State Farm--responded in less than 4 days.) and played with the install and problems included with it--for exampe the install was 13 hours includung the harness.

Amazingly there is no damage to any other parts and it is impossible to tell that the original damage took place.

My advice is "get it fixed".

 

Not to mention if the pump is missing...aren't there exposed or open hoses/orifices that you don't particularly want debris in?

One seldom gets the chance to use the word orifices.

 

I am assuming that since you just joined the forum in August and have just a few posts, you are a relatively recent acquirer of your MINI. If you can't hear the whine when the windows are closed, then everything is fine. If you can't hear the whine when the windows are open, something is wrong. You'll learn to love that sound. That was the first warranty issue I brought to the dealer. When I cranked up several new cars they had on the lot, I realized that it was normal on the '02-'04 models. By '05 they were making them a bit quieter (but not much).

 

I was about to say, I have never actually heard my PS pump.....yet. I guess all the other happy whines it makes, I don't notice.


Sidenote: Too bad you're East coast Iho......I'd love to go motoring with you and some of the other NAM'rs I've met on here..... I love this place.

 

If you ever park in a parking garage, you'll hear the power steering whine echoing off the walls. That's when I first noticed it.

Sidenote: Maybe it's time for a road trip out west.

 

I park 3 levels underground and back up to a double deep space I'm afraid the cat back takes care of the rest! LOL

If ever you are in Southern Cal, you must let me know....while we don't have "The Dragon," we do have "The Snake" more commonly know as the World Famous Rock Store

http://www.rockstorephotos.com/snake.htm

That is me on page 4 of Sunday's PM run.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/capfacs...337190/?page=4

If you look closely at my rear view mirror you can see my hanging hockeyman at a nice angle from the turn.

 

Where is that Ortega?
Ill go running with you.