I bought a 2002 MINI Cooper(It was a launch model in Canada, 444/500) from a nice old lady about a week ago. When I test drove it, I didn't notice the whine when I turn the steering wheel(windows were up), but when I got home, I noticed the sound. I scoured the internet and found that it is supposed to whine; but I fear that the sound has gotten louder since then. Further, my cousin owns a MINI Cooper S that reportedly does not make this sound.

Because I can't find a youtube video or a sound clip anywhere that has the sound of what it should be, I uploaded a video:


Is this the normal sound it should make whence turning the wheels?

 

Can't hear anything from your video but I have a pretty bad whine. I don't know what "normal" sounds like either.

 

I would like to know what normal is as well. Mine is incredibly loud when turning and you can even hear it when I'm idling without turning the wheels. I've been in another MINI as well as heard plenty others that aren't as loud as mine so I'm inclined to say mine is among the worst.

I know its only a matter of time before it goes out, I wish MINI would replace it before it craps out in the middle of a turn :-/

 

Pre-2005 PS pumps ARE louder....
The pump either works....or it does not...so just run it...and save up a few $$ for the LIKELY impending failure.... Folks do say pumps tend to get louder as they age.

 

I'm not saving up anything, when it goes MINI is footing the bill ;-) I kind of hope it goes soon so I get a new (hopefully quieter) pump.

By the way OP, by the sound of your video my pump is about as loud as yours, maybe even louder. Does yours whine even when you aren't turning the wheels?

 

Remember....
Only SOME cars....by production date, and limited by age and miles, get the recall, both in the US and Canada....
So check the dates on the letter that went out...your miles, and the production date on you door....and HOPE a prior owner did not put in a 3rd party rebuild..... An issue for a few, depending on the dealer.

 

Don't rain on my parade ;-) I'm definitely ok on the mileage front and pretty sure I'm good on the production date but I'll have to check that. PO didn't mention anything about PS issues or replacement so I'll cross my fingers on that.

Thanks for the info.

 

It's when it stops whining is when you have a problem.

 

Yes the pre 2005 had a louder whine unless they were changed to the updated part number.

"I bought a 2002 MINI Cooper(It was a launch model in Canada, 444/500) " Congrats on the your new MINI.

Nice find post up some pics, If I remember right they have the little maple leaf under the display on the tach, which is pretty cool. Like in your video.



Rare to see these today.

Here is an old thread about it:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-real-etc.html

 

Unfortunately, I have an '06 and won't be covered. I guess I'll wait until it doesn't whine anymore and replace myself. Doesn't look too complicated if you take your time.

 

I had mine go out while driving it. While it sucks to have it go.. it's not too terrible IMO. Makes you think your arm work outs were crap though.
Mine never got that loud. Mine's an 06 though. I could hear it only with windows down and then suddenly it was gone.

Had the PS in my parents jeep stop working while I was driving too.
Now that was terrible.

 

I called MINI Richmond and they agreed that it was likely the P/S. I'm gonna get it checked out on Saturday and hope/plead/TakeSomeoneHostageInExchangeForFService (Just Kidding) that its just the P/S fan or one part that needs replacing or that I get at least military or student discounts on whatever needs to be fixed. I'm but a poor student...

Also:

 

Yea, sounds like the regular early design pump to me.



Thanks for posted that up, this was one of the unique limited markings on the MINI Canada launch editions .

 

Sounds just like mine. I think it's normal.

 

With a gray market car, in the US, imported from Canada, don't expect the US warrenty extensions/recalls to be done by mini USA (a different company)......you could drive to Canada to get recall/warrenty work done.
You will realize....no matter how much you make/don't make $$$, your tastes will shift so you will always feel broke (if you are a normal consumer... Unless you get a Dave Ramsey money makeover!!).