Thinking out loud dept...

In anticipation of the impending power steering pump recall repair on my '04 m/c/s (which my VIN qualifies for), I assume that to perform this repair, the dealer would be dropping the sub-frame?

If this is the case, there could be a couple items to have them replace while the sub-frame is off the car. Conceivably, I wouldn't be paying "extra" labor, as the sub-frame would be dropped for the recall repair, only the labor of replacing whichever individual components I request.

Outside of control arm bushings, ball joints, oil housing gasket, is there anything else I should be considering here to take advantage?

 

The dealer will probably always charge you the labor for whatever they do unfortunately.

And I'm pretty sure they don't have to drop the sub frame. Here's the video:

 

I doubt that they drop the subframe.

 

They shouldn't have to drop the subframe. If you want, we go over the complete process in our DIY with images for reference. It's hard to see them, but there are two 13mm bolts that hold the power steering pump bracket to the subframe. These are accessed from behind the steering rack. The green arrows here show the approximate position of the two bolts. A 13mm socket with extension really helps to remove these two bolts, which allows you to remove the pump from the subframe.

 

My car is scheduled for the power steering recall work on Tuesday morning. They said it would be completed in 2 hours. I don't see how they could drop the sub-frame in that amount of time.

 

No - they are not gong to drop the subframe.

 

Do you have a problem with your pump now?

It sounds like this is nothing more than a inspection and maybe they'll replace some parts.

 

I had my 2004 MCS power steering pump replaced at the dealer earlier this and it took them about 3hrs tops. They did not remove the sub-frame. The only other thing that should be inspected/replaced in that job is the steering pump hoses to the reservoir. They start to leak on high mileage cars. Of course, as a dealer they will inspect everything and recommended more stuff to be fixed but it will cost you.

 

Thanks for the update.

I planned on telling them to replace the hoses while they are in there. By chance, did they replace the p/s fan?

Also curious: Did you get the recall letter from MINI or just call to schedule the repair?

 

Yes, the PS fans was included with the recall replace.

 

Oh, I just called them and explained that my PS was intermittent The dealer was really cool about it.

 

let us know what they find and do.

 

Get it all done at once , this is what i did : 31106779437 & 31106779438

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ll-joints.html






P/S lines are here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...hose-pics.html






Believe they are covering the P/S Fan , Pump, and wire harness as needed.

 

Intermittent failure. Seems to be heat related. I don't know what they plan to do; will just have to wait and see...

 

If it is failing intermittently I would accept nothing less than what the recall states, full replacement of the pump and fan.This is a safety recall, if they refuse to correct it after you reported it and you get to an accident because of it they are liable. Mines was intermittent also and it almost put me into the guard rail when it failed just as I was exiting hot into a freeway off ramp. Thank God my wife wasn't driving, that would have been a real messed up deal.

 

I just dropped my Subframe today and will be doing the Ball joints for sure because mine are busted.. The Starter for sure.. and change up the Power Steering hoses because I think mine are leaking... Clean up some oil leaks and the subframe