Hi, could I get opinions.. I have an 05 R53. While driving the battery light came on & power steering went out, indicating a bad alternator. I had it towed to the mechanic, they called me & said yes the alternator is bad but that I also need a new power steering pump… my understanding was the power steering pump cuts out when the alternator fails in order to save battery… I was under the impression that fixing the alternator would fix the problem with the steering. I’ve had bad ps pumps replaced previously, there was no indication of it failing prior to this, it wasn’t cutting out or anything. Do I really have a bad ps pump?

 

Some Gen1 models had a recall on the power steering pump. Check your VIN against the government recall website to see if your Mini qualifies. If so, a dealer should fix it for free. Have your alternator tested at O'Reilly's or AutoZone before you replace it.

 

I did have it replaced under the recall years ago

 

I would have them replace the alternator only and see what happens. FWIW, R53 alternator is not too hard to DIY.

 

+1 on just doing the alternator and DIYing if you're reasonably handy. My power steering went out when my alternator went out, but has been find since replacing my alternator. The power steering is electric and not powered by a belt, so it 'requires a decent amount of juice to power the pump. Alternator isn't hard at all, just lift the front end, put it in front end service mode, remove/loosen the belt, and it's right there. I also replaced my crank position sensor o-ring while i was in there cause it's $5 and super easy to get to when in front end service mode.

 

Don't forget to check the ground wire on the passenger side. Mine was corroded (inside the plastic sheathing) and caused issues causing me to think the alternator was bad. These cars are old and corrosion is common so it's a cheap fix to DIY and could save you time and hassle replacing a good alt.If that does not fix the issue, no harm, no foul - and it eliminates a possible future issue.

 

Is the problem solved now?

 

You are correct. But this system is unique to these cars and the mechanic may not have been aware of this when making the diagnosis. As others have said, get the alternator fixed first before replacing the pump.