I will be replacing the power steering lines (both up and down tubes) and most likely the pressure hoses on the steering rack. How are your lucks at buying non dealer parts for these repairs? It's for my 2006 R50 with rather low mileage (mid 90000 km); however, the car is simply too old and the ps fluid suffered a major leak after the winter. I am in Vancouver BC so I can buy parts from my local Mini dealers or have parts ships in from the US.

 

I replaced all lines with new ones from Meyle two years ago and they still work fine.

The only issue I had were getting the two banjo bolts on the pump at the transmission side to stop leak. I had bought new crushwashers from the dealer and torqued them to Haynes spec (40nm if I remember correctly) but I had to go back twice to tighen them way harder to make them stop leaking.

 

Big thing is the install. Replace those washers. I did my lines with aftermarket and its been fine. The Genuine MINI ones did swell a bit over time and leaked on the original lines, they only last so long.

Make sure you clean the PS fan out and turn it with you finger, the fan tends to rust on the inside and stick. Mine started to hang up and was not smooth so i just replaced it with new SPAL unit.


DIY https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-blow-out.html

 

Replaced both my PS reservoir hoses with 'no-name' eBay back in 2017 when my original ones began to leak/fail. I used the supplied crush washers and worm gear clamps that came with the hoses.
So far in 9years they haven't leaked.
​​​
I'll most likely have to perform another PS fluid flush/change soon.
Not sure where I'll source new hoses when the time comes.

 

My only hint - I had to replace the pump. I broke one O ring of the high pressure line - the rubber one. I warmed
up the second one, and it was good. Yes, replace all metal o rings.

 

Thanks everyone for the head ups. Look like it's best to buy a complete kit so time to place the order and start getting my hands dirty.

 

I bought all my lines from FCP Euro when I did mine a few years ago. No problems at all.

 

I used the ECS repair kit....have gone a few hundred miles and have been pretty happy. I think for upper lines to reservoir was like 75.00 . Can't complain.

 

Regardless of which lines/hoses you choose...
Worst job EVER having to replace!

​​​​​​I extend you my sympathy and best wishes.

 

Much easier job with the subframe out 🙏

 

Yes/agree!
But next time I'm renting a lift

 

It’s been a while since I last changed mine, but I don’t recall it being that bad. I did pull the front wheels and inner fenders so that I could reach in from the side though.

 

My original ones blew so badly - It was a total mess down there. Clean-up was a nightmare.

 

Ah, that makes sense. I’ve always changed mine before they got too bad.