This morning the power steering on my R50 (manual trans) quit working suddenly.
What should I be looking at to diagnose the problem?

Thx.

Fred

 

MINI had a recall on the early power steering pumps. Yours may not have ever been replaced. I'm not sure what dealers are currently covering in that regard. Maybe someone else on the Forum can provide more information.

 

I read that it was 13 years on the recall so I don't think I qualify. Looking to figure out WHY it quit.Bad pump or fuse or??
Also has anyone tried the Condor popwer steering delete kit?

 

Just an update.

After sitting for a few hours I started the car and the power steering is now working. I don't think it overheated as the temp when it quit was about 40 deg and it had only been running for a few minutes.

 

I take it you checked the fluid level, low fluid can cause it to heat up fast.
I have a glitch in mine, every now and then I have to turn the car off and on to get it to work, and it's the recall replaced unit.

I would still check the fan anyway.

 

https://www.miniusa.com/owners/tools...rt/recall.html

I would check that recall, I bought a 2002 R53 and just got that recall fixed last month. There is no time limit on it. They installed a new pump and fan for nothing. Given the price of that part alone Its worth the two minutes it takes to type your vin into there recall site.

 

I’d call your local MINI and see if your car has an open campaign for the pump, sounds pretty spot on to what the symptoms for the pump recall is for. Another part of the recall is to check the wire harness connector and ground for burning and corroding, might be something else to check out.

 

I want to test out the fan.Does/should it run continuously?

 

I don't remember when it's actually supposed to turn on, I'm sure someone else can help, but...
The easiest way to test the fan itself is to remove it and simply jumper a 12v source to it.

 

The fan is supposed to work in concert with the high speed cooling fan under the assumption that if the engine is that hot, the PS pump needs help staying cool. you should be able to check the fan by applying 12v though.

 

You might want to check this out: https://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/175...lt-KS01000120/ Pretty good price on a Bosch rebuilt unit if it's necessary.