I just got a 2005 Mini Cooper S with 115000 miles. Its in great shape. However, the clutch is starting to slip a bit. Anywho, I also noticed red fluid in the power steering reservoir.

Should I worry about this, or flush it out and replace with the proper CHF11s.

This happened in a 95 bimmer I had, and it drooled fluid forever after it happened.

What is the best way to flush?? drain as best as possible, fill with correct fluid... run it... drain it again... refill, and done??

Thanks,
Rod

 

afaik, the r53 takes chf11s. I know mine does. I'd flush it.

Fill, cycle steering wheel, drain, repeat

search YouTube. someone might have a useful tip

 

Go to the Dollar Store and buy a $1.00 turkey baster. It's invaluable for removing fluids.

 

or go to Harbor Freight and get one of those vacuum brake bleeder kits for around $20....this will only work if you have a decent air compressor at home.....I use mine all the time when needed

Bryan

 

Hi folks,
Sorry for bumping an old thread rather than create a new one.
I have a 2004 R53 and the power steering reservoir cap says "ATF Only." The fluid inside is red. Am I supposed to use ATF or the Pentosin stuff? This is a Canadian model. Thanks in advance!

 

Well that's a new one. Is it possible that someone grabbed an old BMW reservoir cap at some point?

 

I wonder that too.

 

Yep they grabbed or replaced it with the wrong cap as its shared on some BMW ATF systems.

CHF 11S Pentosin stuff and thats the sticker. The filter is built into the reservoir also. We have an upgraded unit.

We have an upgraded reservoir unit. You can get that CHF11S sticker and put it on the turner unit.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-turner-m...ni/c-steering/



Stock reservoir with filter

https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2005-...ing/Reservoir/




https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...212122171~oem/



That needs changed or cleaned out/flushed if it is. So what people also do is pour PS fluid leak stuff from Lucas PS fluid Stop Leak and its RED in color.

https://lucasoil.com/products/proble...ring-stop-leak



Hence the red color in the reservoir. They don't repair the problem which is the PS lines. Its a patch job as it does not work most of the time. I have used that stuff and does not seal on MINIs or Range Rovers (they share many parts).


Repair and fix!!! Linked Below.

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

 

Thanks for that.

So I looked through the receipts shared by the previous owner(s) and I found a receipt for Royal Purple ATF fluid. I opened up a cap, took a clean paper towel to dip into the reservoir. Low and behold - it's purple'ish brown. I'm surprised the power steering is still working.

What are my options now? Suck the fluid out and replace with Pentosin? On the other hand, the power steering has always been leaking so...yeah.

 

Yes, drain it from the bottom hose, suck out as much from the PS pump itself afterwards with a fluid extractor. Replace that reservoir (filter) and flush with a couple cans of CHF 11S. You might have to do that a couple times to get the ATF out. Change those lines, easy fix and cleans out the residue. I hope it did not hurt the pump.

I seen a ton of MINIs over the years since 2004 and have not seen the ATF fluid in there. But many "buy here pay here" dealers or MINI owners that are not enthusiast that get MINIs tend to change things out they did not know. So universal coolant (green or another color) or radiator fix stuff vs Pentosin MINI Blue coolant. No maintenance and band aid fixes. Hopefully you are ok and that's the only thing that was changed out.

I have an R52 Convertible with almost 300K on it and for reasons, maintenance and correct maintenance. Some of my mods. https://www.ecstuning.com/News/MINI_...ild_List_Mike/

An R58 N14 JCW Engine that's in great shape and 133K on it and for reasons, maintenance and correct maintenance. Some of my mods. https://www.ecstuning.com/News/MINI_...ild_List_Mike/

I hope you can get that all cleaned out and fixed.

I am always here and you can search this forum and find tons more info then Facebook or Youtube (most only found here). The people on the MINI fourms are also some of the best and most knowledgeable.

 

Thank you for that.

So this is where it gets weird. This car's got 201K miles on it (or roughly 323,500KM) on the original motor. I can't speak for the power steering reservoir or lines - I suspect they are original. the suspension for sure is original except for the front because the shocks both leaked and needed to be replaced, which I did last year.

How is it possible for the power steering to be functional when ATF has been running in there for so long?

We replaced a lot of wear items like idler pulley, water pump, alternator, exhaust, and a few other things, and we just did our annual oil change yesterday. It burns a quart of oil but it gets driven a few times a week and short distances. The car ahs been great otherwise.

 

Good that you gone through the car already.

"How is it possible for the power steering to be functional when ATF has been running in there for so long?" Dont know, it might be thin enough to work for the short run. They might have replaced the pump (typical) when they changed the fluid and if has not shown the fail point yet. ATF fluid has a cleaner detergent in it which might not work with the seals also flow rate i believe is not the same. CHF is more like hydraulic fluid that you find in heavy machinery for large pistons and high pressure. Who know how long its been their but my bet is not long.