Power steering went out; albeit gradually...filled the reservoir back up and power steering came back! The next day it slowly went out again...

Checked the power steering pump and fluid was leaking everywhere, so I tried to pinpoint it. It doesn't seem to be coming from the lines (took PSP out and checked). Power steering pump was corroded with PSP fluid, so I assume it's coming from there.

Called the dealer, they said it was recalled for mine (2005 R53). Taking it Friday to have it looked at.

My question is, if the power steering capability came back then my first thought was that the pump is fine. But...no leaks from the hoses? I'm confused. What do you guys think before the dealer tries to wool one over on me?

Let the dealer do it under warranty. On mine, they also replaced the P/S cooling fan. $0 charge to me.

As a "courtesy" inspection, they mentioned that my oil pan was leaking (it's not, it was the CPS O-ring), the front engine mount is bad (it is) and the control arm bushings are shot (they are), typical wear items on a 100K-mile Mini Cooper. The service manager also knew I had no intention of having them do those repairs. They rented me a loaner car (got a new Camaro) and washed my Mini when they were done. So it was a nice day to own a Mini Cooper!

Warrenty is not on the hoses...
But the pump...the electric motor and electronics fail...
Be prepared for a $1000+ bill...
And if the pump and hoses are not leaking..it is the rack...
Using the wrong fluid can cause seal failures (or just age and dry rot)..destroys the system...
Good luck.

Yeh, dont go in the dealership saying its a recall, they strictly reassured me it was an "extended warranty" on just the pump and the fan.

Had both of mine replaced last week because the fan was locked up.

If the pump and fan are in working order when they inspect them, they will not do the repair and then charge you $95.00 to tell you that. As mentioned above, only the pump and cooling fan are covered. I would start praying that the fan is locked up.

Yes, the extended warranty is on the pump and the fan only. I think they also might replace the main harness to pump.

Sounds like to have a leak in the P/S lines, which leaks low enough fluid that it cuts out the system., the system uses CHF fluid only . I would check those lines first. Then the pump itself, most of the time its the lines.



https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-steering.html

good luck.

Three months ago I took my R53 into the dealer. I told them I wanted the P/S recall work done. They said that the P/S would have to not be operating properly when they test drove it. My response to,them was, " So you are going to send me back out on the street with a power steering system that is faulty and has failed twice and there is a known recall on it?" The service writer promptly took my keys and advised me that my car would be ready the next day. My hoses were leaking also and they were not covered. I took my car to an independent shop and had them replaced for less than half of what MINI wanted. Rollsrock25 let us know where you live and somebody can probably recommend a local independent shop for you. Don't give up on the P/S repair at the dealer, insist that they fix it. They are the ones that sent out the recall so they know it is an issue. It's not if it happens, it's when it happens.

Well folks, bad news on the doorstep. The dealer called and insisted it is, in fact, the steering rack. They quoted me 1500+, and I'm in a real pickle.

'05 R53. I'm thinking either pony up the dough since I just had the engine replaced with a newer motor, or trade the damn thing in.

I'm so mad.

If its the rack itself and not the pump or anything , we have them here: $ 275 refundable core on the Maval rack included.


http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2005-Cooper-R53-S-Coupe-L4_1.6L_W11B16A/Steering/Rack/

Find a independent shop...
$1500 is high...
But it is a 10 year old car...
Independent shops can charge HALF as much for labor to do a job...
So with a $500 part...might frp the job to $1000....

Get a second opinion before you tell someone to do it.

Can anyone tell me the years that are covered under the "extended" warranty? I have a 2007 R52. Power Steering pump is dripping, I've already replaced the fan.

Not covered...
All mini's from start of the r50/53 up part of model year (MY)2005, mostly those built in late 2004.
Many r52 cars had a power steering fanduct that helped to keep debris out of the fan, and ensure it got good airflow...
And again...it is an extended warrenty.
I retrofitted my r53 (2005 MY, but Nov 2004 production) with the duct kit early on...got 10+ years on the factory pump before I sold the car....
Leaks are often the result of leaking hoses...new clamps work for many...the warrenty is on the pump/fan...the hoses and rack are not covered.the pump i itself rarely leaks..it usually fails dilue to electrical issues, largely related to heat.

Thanks. Obviously more investigation required on my part.

UPDATE: Put it on a lift and inspected the steering rack and boot myself. The leak appears to be coming from the boot which is zip-tied (shops do this instead of clamping, which is fine). In moving the boot, which covers the inner tie-rod, a fair amount of fluid is leaking from that. The non-dealer garage I sometimes go to DID replace both inner tie-rods about a month ago.

My question then becomes, (for you experts out there), do you suppose it's more likely that the entire steering rack needs replacing, or did the shop make a goof in putting the inner tie-rod in which is causing the leak? Thoughts? Opinions?

Thanks Kindly

You might have a seal on the internal of the rack. A tie rod replacement should not damage an inner seal.