My 2004 Mini base with 5spd steering gets stiff off and on.I found a person parting out a 2003 base with a auto trans.He said he replaced the pump and fan about 2 yrs ago.So I brought the fan and pump.Also being it was pepper white I brought the rear bumper with all the trim because mine was cracked,I paid $180 for everything.Before I paid him I noticed the fan didn't turn by hand so I was concerned it was seized up.He said it's an electric motor and shouldn't turn unless it has power to it.Is this true? The fan on the car now turns by hand.Also can I test the new used fan by hooking it directly to the battery before I install it.

 

Yes, you can test it and I believe you should be able to turn it by hand. If it's not easy to move and makes a grinding sound that's a possible indication it's bad. Some good info here on how to test it. (Post #17 & 18). The shaft in the fan can bend and render the fan inoperative, which could maybe be the issue with the one you have. If needed, we have a DIY here with more information. 32-41-6-857-718 here if needed.

 

Fan should turn easily. I sprayed mine with brake cleaner to get mine moving last time I was under the car.

There is also a u-joint on the steering shaft that freezes up. If you look at the shaft as it goes out of the firewall the u-joint is right there. Either grease that or spray the heck out of it with some kind of lubricant.

 

Thanks for the info.I cleaned the new/used fan now it turns.Is it true that the fan goes on when the A/C is on? I will also lube the u joint. I also have some play in the steering wheel,about an inch.Checked the outer tie rods and they look good.
Can this also be a wear in the u joints?

 

You're welcome. Make sure that the new one you install has the grille to help protect it. If it doesn't, you can remove the one from your old one and install it. If you don't have one you can fabricate it or it's 32-41-6-766-192. Yes, it should kick on when the AC is on. Some good info about the steering in this thread here. Check out all the bushings like on the control arms, ball joints, etc. His issue was at post #5. 32306763722 repair kit has superseded to I believe 32306870777 here?? May need to double check that. Post #10 in that thread the guy goes over how to replace it, if that ends up being your issue. If you have questions let me know.

 

The U joints can get stiff, check those first and spray it with some PB blaster. If that works , then its the U joint. If the joint does not loosen up check that fan and make sure it functional. Yes the Fan turns on with the A/c . Also check the upper mounts.

P/S Fan: 32416857718

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...fan-issue.html







https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ing-issue.html

31306778833





32306763727





Thanks

 

Have you checked out this: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...steering+Wheel

 

Hopefully everyone has received the Notice of a RECALL that came out last week (Dec 2015) that might cover this issue.
Recall Campaign No 15V-660: Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering System (EHPD)
It will cover Certain 2002-2005 MINI Cooper and Cooper S and 2005 S Convertible models.
If you did not receive this notice, call your MINI service dept and get in the system.
This was a NOTICE only, the actual recall will be next.

 

It came out in October, and has been mentioned in several threads. Perhaps MINI is still in the process of sending out notices.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/..._ids=15V660000

 

I think they just started sending out the recall notices ... haven't received mine yet.

 

I did not receive a notice in October, just the one last week. It is dated December 2015 which might indicate a deeper recall of SN's. Again, this is just a notice of recall, not the actual recall yet.

 

Got it also, its just a notice of future recall. Like a heads up.