Hi everybody.

Another problem with my Mini. Power steering cooling fan is frozen. It does not spin at all, I can't turn it even a bit.
Replacement is easy, but new fan is 100 bucks from ebay, or 170 or so from the dealer. Is it possible to fix the existing fan? Can I take it apart? I removed the 3 screws on the back, but I can't disconnect the fan from the assembly. I can't disconnet the plastic spinning part from the back and can't get it through the assembly. How do I take it apart?

I also saw a class action lawsuit http://classactionlawsuitsinthenews....ower-steering/, and ongoing Engineering Analysis
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/pr...h&summary=true

Does anybody know anything about possible recall on these?

Thanks

 

It's an 8 year old car. 100-170 is no more than a good set of replacement brake pads. I highly doubt you can fix your currently failed one.

 

It may or may not be broken. I thought mine was, until I pulled the fuse and saw that it was fried. Drove over to BMW, new fuse for $3-4 bucks, now my fan works again. Who knew

 

Yeah, I just did the brakes. Now my fan is broken Last weekend I replaced a leaking thermostat at the dealer. I also just replaced rear hatch hydraulic pistons. It is only 66K miles on the car. It is not little, but... anyway,

Do you know how to take the fan apart?

The fan is broken, because I can't spin it with my finger. I think I should be able to, right?

Thanks.

 

Since the fan will not turn by hand you will be replacing it. At only $100 bucks for the part, That is going to be one of the cheapest parts you'll have to replace on your MINI, and easiest too.

 

Thank you! Just placed an order.

 

Yes, won't turn by hand, needs to be replaced.

That being said, be aware of this;
The single greatest reason for P/S Fan failure is grit & grime getting into the mechanical workings of the fan itself, this is normally caused by the fan failing to operate because of one of two reasons:
1. Cooler Temps., either you don't run your A/C or the engine fan never actually turns on. (both of these actions signal the P/S fan to turn on)
2. Blown Fuse, this is sort of a "catch 22" situation, a blown fuse will cause the fan to not work, grit & grime will get into the fan causing it to seize up, but also if it's not working due to colder temps or if it gets gummed up due to off pavement or salted, cindered or sanded roads, it will then blow the fuse.

Once you've changed it make sure it's working, if you turn on your A/C it should come on, if not check your fuse, #41 (I think) same as your Rev. Warning Beeper, don't forget this, if you ever notice your R/W/B not working, neither is your P/S fan.

Also it may help the new fan to last longer if, when you wash your car, turn your A/C on and try to spray the fan while it's running for just a second or two, the cleaner the fan is, the longer it should last.

 

Bet the seal on the bearing failed...let water/grit in....they rusted and siezed.
Bolt in a new fan....15 minute job, faster than trying to mess with trying to massage the broken one back to life.