The closest MINI dealer to me is 9 hours away, round trip. My local BMW dealer won't take the repair on for the P/S pump recall fix. MINIUSA has stated they'll only reimburse the cost of the part for a local person to do this. So, I'm left with the prospect of driving 9 hours to get this done. I've read stories of other owners getting into the service only to be blindsided by 'extra' services that need to be done (namely leaking hoses) with the threat of withholding warranty coverage on the pump.

Punks.

So, I guess I'm throwing this out there for open discussion. Should I inspect and possibly replace those lines prior to getting the recall work done? Maybe should I just have an open and frank conversation with the MINI service rep about my concerns? I dunno. There are worse things in the world than taking a road-trip with a buddy (yes, I roped a friend into tagging along) in a MINI, so this isn't all a waste. I just don't want to get cornered by the dealer when I travel so far for a 'free' repair. Thoughts appreciated.

 

You can always try the method used by this person if you need new power steering lines

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-2-2016-a.html

There's also the line in the recall letter that says the pump, fan, and wiring will be replaced as deemed necessary and appropriate.

So if yours is working you might drive for 9 hours just to have them say its fine. Seems very wrong to me since the pump is being recalled for safety. Guess we'll find out in the future if dealers are going to go down that path or not.

 

That's a bummer you don't have a dealer near you, I'd get the lines check out before you make the trip.

 

My power steering actually caught on fire last september, probably from a failed fan, but mine being an 06 my fan and pump are not on the recall list....I'm stuck with trying to do a goodwill at the dealer, not getting very far with that so far....

 

I had gotten such a run around from one of the local Atlanta dealers that I decided to call MINI USA after receiving the letter to confirm that upon bringing the car in for the recall work that i should depart with A) a new pump, and B) a new fan if needed, and C) a refilling of that pentosin fluid. MINI USA confirmed that for me so I feel armed for going in to the dealership this time. I actually replaced my hoses today elsewhere with OEM parts so I think I'll be ok there.

 

Oh and call and make an appointment for the work as I was told today by the dealer that MINI is limiting each dealer to 3 recall repairs per day.

 

Gotcha. I'm going to schedule it far in advance, and call them the night before. I will pitch a fit if they turn me away.

 

Good luck. The Tardis goes in a week from Friday. Fingers crossed.

 

Never seen a dealer from any brand put a gun to any ones head in those circumstances...however, they may say the new part installed will not be warrantied.....there is a mention in the recall to inspect the feed line ( low pressure hose ) when installing the recall pump.

Reason for that inspection is if leaking, it allows air into the system making the pump work harder. It also allows hydraulic fluid seep its way down to the PS fan gunking up causing it to seize up....

Bottom line, it's your MINI and not much different than going to your doctor. You can take the advice or not, your choice.

 

+1 Good advice Gray Raven,

That's a long drive for sure, i would call them and ask exactly what needs done ahead of time to cover the P/s and Fan. They might tell you what else they check for or need.

 

Don't forget about the time it will take them to do the repair. I was quoted up to 3 hours. That can make for a really long day.

 

My main concern is along the lines of this guy's experience:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-2-2016-a.html

I don't want to be way out on a road trip and get his with something weird, like "paying" $400 to have a recall repair done right, with the right warranties and such. I'm not saying anyone will be putting a gun to my head, only that I won't come back with the best service I could have gotten. All in all, I think I've come to the conclusion that I should inspect and possibly replace the lines before I head out.

 

Yea, remember that , i bet the lines were so bad , or the connection that they wanted to change them, otherwise he/she might come back with issues on the recall repair. Which is then case by case. Call them or just do them ahead of time.

 

I'm planning on calling them, and probably having those hoses done prior to arrival. I'm going to have a very open discussion with them because I don't want any surprises when I show up. Thanks for the input everyone, super appreciated!

 

Welcome.