#1 on the list amigo. The #621080.

 

Thank you good hombre!

 

No problem.

 

Got my cooling fan yesterday from RockAuto and getting it installed Sat, but NOW...my steering is beginning to cry! I think the power steering is close to dying. I'm getting the lovely whine when turning the wheel--stationary or moving. I mentioned this before, but it's getting louder and more evident.

So...looks like an expensive job/parts-yeah!! Can anyone recommend a pump, fan, lines, etc? I looked on RA, but there is a variety. And some are remanfuctured--yes or no?

Anyway the noise could be related to the inoperable cooling fan which I'm addressing this weekend? When I brought in my car last week I asked that they check the steering noise and I recall my tech saying the possible steering noise I may be hearing could be the PS fan as the PS fan and cooling fan are on the same circuit. This is how he discovered my cooling fan was inoperable. I guess the inoperable cooling fan was more evident than the PS?

 

^^^^Btw, should I continue driving it if the PS is nearing its demise? Will the car leave me stranded--assuming what I'm experiencing is the PS?

 

There is a lifetime warranty on older Minis for the PS, check to see if yours is included.

 

Thank you, but unfortunately my 2006 isn't included

 

Below is video of me trying to capture the noise this morning from within my garage with the car stationary/neutral as I turn the wheel. Turn up the volume as you can only slightly hear the whine.

 

My ps pump sounds like that sometimes too. I wouldn't say it's dying though since it's been doing it for 3 years now.

Seems unlikely that the fluid wasn't checked, but only takes a minute to look. Mine goes through a small amount of fluid even though it doesn't leak.

If it does die on the road you can still drive it you won't be stranded. It will just be hard to steer

 

Thanks
Yes, I plan to check the fluid this afternoon. This was at 3:15am this morning when I get up to go to the gym!!! Haha

Initially starting her up this morning to go to the gym it sounded relatively louder. Made it to the gym with no problems--but still making the noise (gym is only 4 miles away). While at the gym, I decided not to take the Mini to work today. Driving home from the gym, it didn't sound as loud but the noise was still evident and that's when I decide to take a video and try and capture the noise from within my garage.

 

I edited my post as you were typing yours.

If it dies on the road it wont hurt anything to keep driving it for a little bit, and since you're a gym guy you'll be strong enough to steer it

 

All I want is to enjoy the little bugger without it needing something else week after week!
And I thought I lucked out on this purchase!!

 

These power steering pumps are supposed to whine some, to me it sounds normal in your video but it's hard to say for sure. When mine failed, it started failing intermittently, and then it finally quit working all together so it definitely won't strand you, and will probably give you a decent warning if/when it does decide to go.

I replaced mine before the recall/warranty came out, I got the fan off eBay for $100 and I think I paid $700 for the fan, which isn't cheap but it was new, I don't think it's worth trying to save a few bucks with a reman fan. The job is really easy to do, the hardest part is paying $700 for the pump, and finding the pentosin ch 11s fluid (or whatever it's supposed to be) I remember that being $20 a bottle.

 

Thanks for replying.

So I am correct that it's the parts that are killer, not so much the labor or the job itself. It seems like RA only pushes for remanufactured pumps.

As I mentioned earlier up, I lucked out and found a very knowledgeable Mini skilled tech who is doing my cooling fan this weekend. I'm hoping this could be a lasting relationship for what's likely going to be many other repairs. I'm curious what his thoughts will be on the PS noise as he had just worked on the car last week and only noted the cooling fan as problematic--nothing about the PS.

 

Get the PS cooling fan addressed and change the fluid. Go from there.

The stock PS pump whines a bit normally.

 

Thanks guys for all your help. Makes me feel like I'm not alone on this journey.

I searched and recall folks seem to recommend the Dorman PS Fan. And if eventually needed, the Dorman PS Pump?

 

The parts are definitely the majority of the cost. i don't know what the book is for labor, but a good mechanic with a lift should be able to do it in less than an hour.

 

Just came back from getting my stage 1 cooling fan replaced. The tech doing it on the side seemed like a descent guy--1st time a met him, although he has worked on my car before. I gave him a few extra dollars to help build, what's sure to be, an ongoing working relationship.

He heard the noise from the steering (video above), but I was surprised to learn that he couldn't make a diagnosis. He doesn't think its the PS pump, or the PS fan. Nothing is leaking from the lines. And the fluid is fine. The suspect noise is only really noticeable when in neutral/stationary and turning the wheel. He didn't seem too concerned about, but was more curious what other techs would recommend. I texted him the video to share with others. I guess I'll just monitor it and see if gets worse/louder.

I also asked him to check my clutch-the squeak noise. Again, he didn't seem to think it was anything urgent. It seems to be the pedal itself and will make the noise even when the car is turned off.

He did notice one of my engine mounts was beginning to leak a bit and would need eventually replacing sometime within the next year.

So, maybe the steering noise isn't anything I should concern myself with, as others here have also pointed out that their steering can be a bit loud and the noise comes and goes. Overall, the tech was really impressed with the condition of the car. Basically just normal wear and tear, but it's just poor timing to have to replace such items just days after buying the car. Funny, as I've had a few people who seem interested in buying the car. Hmmm.....

 

The older MINIs are not perfect, but when they are, they're amazing to drive.

Replace the motor mount ASAP if it's started to leak - and try to keep the hydraulic fluid from staining the paint. That's a standard failure point, they all fail every 40-60k.

If you want to eliminate the issue from EVER happening, get the Vibratechnics passenger side motor mount.

And the clutch squeak is directly tied to the guide tube the throwout bearing slides on within the transmission. If I ever get a chance to sit in your car, I'll let you know how bad it is, since I have a good point of reference with mine.

Are you going to come to the MINIs Take Bucks County Rally on November 6th? 9:00 AM at Washington Crossing park in PA.

 

I wasn't aware of the Mini Event on the 6th--too busy with repairs! LOL
But actually, I'll be in California this week, so I wouldn't be able to attend anyway. Regardless, you, John, and I should meet up sometime when you find yourself closer out our way. I think John's location would be centrally located for you and I. I would really appreciate your thoughts on my car, b/c this very short ownership has been filled with highs and lows (okay maybe a bit dramatic). But things can get confusing for me, as one guy will say "nah, don't worry about it's normal," while another will recommend something needs repairing immediately.

As for the engine mount, and I always appreciate you guys in the know recommending "best practice" repairs, but I'm thinking of sticking with the inferior OEM mount (that sounds so stupid even as I write it). I know...I know, pay me now, pay me later, but there are a couple of reasons, at least for me in my particular situation, why I think I should go this route.

#1-is the cost unfortunately. I bought this car as a 3rd little fun car. Really it was suppose to end up being my "beater," but I can't stomach the thought of not taking relatively good care of it. But that doesn't mean I'm going to spend the dough as if I were planning on restoring the car. Sure the OEM engine mount will fail again in 30k miles (what a piece of crap), but the chances of me still having the car after 2-3 years are very slim and the mileage won't be even close. Even if I do keep it longer/add the miles, I could go through 3 OEM engine mounts ($65) with labor, for the price of one Vibra Technics mount ($325) with labor. From what I read, it seems like an easy repair/accessible and so labor with my mini tech shouldn't be a big deal. And ultimately, it looks like I need to plan ahead for some other costly repairs (Power Steering? Clutch?), so every little bit helps.

#2-I also read that with these aftermarket engine mounts VT or TSX that there is a significant increase in NVH. Not that I'm old, and not familiar to firm rides, but I already find the ride pretty firm. I actually cringe going over some of our very poor PA roads now, I couldn't imagine what it would be like with these aftermarket mounts. Then again, I was reading reviews and threads from several years ago (I guess when these mounts first became available), so maybe they have improved the design/comfort level?

I know I'm going against the grain, but can someone please confirm that the OEM engine mount in the screenshot from Rock Auto ($69 Rein Automotive #22116778610) is the correct engine mount I need to purchase?

Now as for the clutch...I'm confused, b/c I read mixed advice. Some say it isn't a problem and actually not atypical for clutch pedals to squeak--especially it shouldn't be a problem if the noise is still generated with the car turned off--focusing on the clutch pedal itself. But then I've read other accounts like what you are saying about the guide tube. So what are we actually talking about $$$ wise? You mentioned earlier to me that the noise will get progressively worse over time, but then what? Will I need a new clutch job or can it be a "simple" replacement part (I know, nothing is simple when working on the trans)? Honestly, this is the frustrating part! I must have been delusional thinking I could enjoy this car for a few years with just attending to some standard maintenance issues, but the list is growing fast and I haven't even owned the car for a month yet! It bothers me (at times) to already be thinking what's my breaking point? How much do I want to invest in this car? I imagine it's like a gambling addiction...I'll play one more hand and this one will get me out from being under, but then it doesn't, and I fall deeper, and I'm constantly playing to catch up. Talk about being so dramatic so early in the morning!!!! Man up! Maybe I should go to the gym??? LOL