So I have a 2004 cooper s with 148k on the clock. I've been having on and off power steering issues for the past year now. My ps will just randomly turn off while driving down the road but the second i stop the car and turn it off the ps come right back to life. Just the other day, however, I went into a grocer and when I came back I noticed the whine of the power steering. It had stayed on while the car was turned off. When I put the key in it then turned off. Ive resorted to just unplugging the battery to keep it from draining. Does anyone know what would cause the steering to just reverse itself like that?

Cause is most likely related to an accumulation of electrical dust (created by worn brushes) in the motor housing. Some have reported success by removing the ps pump and cleaning out the motor assembly. Best to simply replace the pump.

From what I understand, you're lucky to get that many miles out of the PS. I had the same problem at about 5,000 out of warranty. And I hear it's a common problem with that electric power steering design. Cost me $1300 to fix, by the way, at the dealer.

If you are a modestly skilled DIYer, you have three options: (1) remove the pump and clean out the accumulated 'electrical dust' in the motor housing, reinstall, and hope for the best. (2) buy a remanufactured one, at a savings of several hundred dollars compared to new. (3) buy new.

Huge amount of posts on this issue -- its actually a sticky.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...p-failure.html

You can find some on ebay for around 450-500 or other forum sponsor vendors, I got mine from Way Motorworks -- shipping was fast.

DO NOT BUY A REMANUFACTURED UNIT, they don't replace all the electronics and you open yourself up to this occurring again. Search under my name if you want specific instructions, however if you google pelican parts mini cooper power steering -- the DIY is perfect.

This.

It is true that we have seen a couple reman units DOA, which ends up being a PITA. Once they are in and working, they tend to last the life of the car. If you are handy and have jack stands, you can save on the labor, but it's mostly the parts that cost. Remember to only us CHF-11s fluid.

^^^agree

how difficult is it to DIY? My brother is coming into town soon and we've done plenty of engine swaps/tranny swaps/other engine things just never on a mini. Is it as simple and changing the pump from under the car or is it like everything else and the whole front end and engine have to come out?

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm

If you've done engine and tranny swaps, it'll be easy.

my pump let go last month, I just keep running it , reminds me of my old road runner.