I've looked and can't find any info on what kind of power steering fluid to use and also where does the power steering fluid go. There is no reference to the where abouts, in my R40 2005 manual.
Thanks this place is great.

 

CH11 is the only fluid you can use. Get it at a BMW dealer. I actually bought mine from a Toyota dealer down here. If you look to the left of the battery, and right of the coolant reservoir you'll see a little bottle. It's nestled in between the two. It'll probably say use only CH11 fluid on it. That's the power steering fluid reservoir.

 

Fatherdeth,

Thanks a bunch.

 

Unfortunately they force you to buy a full quart i believe but they really the best source.

 

trackster,

A full quart is okay and thanks.

 

I put regular power steering fluid in mine I figured since it leaks it won't be in there very long anyway..I am sure the CH11 is way over priced.

 

Uhhh, dude, please don't do this. CH11 is about $30 a quart, but it is designed for our systems. It's really thin, almost like water. This allows the pump not to over work. Drain your system and replenish with CH11 as soon as possible. As for the leak, it could be something as simple as a hose connector being loose. You are seriously running the risk of burning up your power steering pump and it's kind of an expensive fix.

 

No problem. Hopefully it helped.

 

Yea Kathy go get a can of Pentoshin CHS 11,that other person will find out how much he saved when it needs a new steering pump and possibly a steering rack.These cars are fluid specific not only in the power steering but the brake fluid coolant and oil.

 

Napa sells the fluid, that is where I get mine.

 

I've been checking as much info and all of the fluids. Found a mechanic who has been servicing two other MINIs and he's very close but I still want to know if he knows,, kindof thing. Mine's a 2005, the sweetest little thing there could be.
The price was to good, which is why I'm on the watch for any thing plus getting to know it. Records weren't kept up and I know a car is just a car but a MINI isn't just any car.
Thank you all for your replies. It's so great to read and learn, here.

 

Off to Napa I only added a bit so I am sure it will be fine for two more days then I'll drain and refill will give me an excuse to be in the garage. Swapped out fluid for correct fluid there still is some in the lines but I never added enough to make a difference. [SIZE=3][SIZE=2]Amsoil Synthetic Universal Power Steering Fluid per their site works in our cars.

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/psf.aspx
[/SIZE][/SIZE]

 

Oh, and of course, once you have a quart, you don't have to worry about getting more when it's time to top it off again. It's a good investment.

 

I guess I should had stated that I only added few oz's and if that small of an amount is enough to ruin the power steering pump and rack then they are junk to begin with no matter what fluid you use.

 

.......what Fatherdeth said.

 

My local mini guy will put this in a mini.....but only after a flush, as recomended by the local Amsol dealer. Ends up costing more than just using the correct stuff unless you are installing a new pump!!

 

Not in my MINI !

And never trust the local Amsoil rep.......only thing he wants is your money.

 

Hey that's not true! I'm an Amsoil Dealer and I don't make any money at it. just ask my wife.

 

 

You can order CHF 11S from Pelican Parts. www.pelicanparts.com

enter 82-11-1-468-041 into the search window. Either Fuchs, Febi or Pentosin brands are available

 

I didn't say I do, just it was possible. Without prior testing, I definately would let someone else be the tester!!

 

Then why suggest it?

 

It was a reply to someone who said it was OK to use....and I was implying it might not be the best idea to mix it....I think most readers could determine this. I just said my local MINI guy would use it....after a full flush, or pump replacement....(heck..some people are on a very tight budget, and the cost savings for some outweigh the risk, real or perceived, and in some situations...((such as a pump replacement)) it could save a couple $$)....even he, as a mechanic, who sells Amsol products, is not comfortable mixing it!!

What are you adding to the topic by providing bait and trying to start a flame-war? What do you gain?! What are you adding to this site, and these pages that are stored for future readers?!


This is not a contest.....I'm just here trying to help out best I can...I have no EGO to FEED.....and like EVERYBODY here, we are learning, and wading through thousands of pages of knowledge and advise, (...good and bad!! ), while applying our own knowledge and while trying to help fellow MINI drivers with the best info we have!
I try my best not to feed trolls or start flame wars....They are a waste of time, mine yours, the MODS, and the servers, and last but not least every other user here!!
You add a tone to this site that it simply would be nicer without....you instigate arguments that are a useless waste of time, and seem to have a the vindictive, mean streak that appears in many of your posts, aimed at select individuals, including both me, and even a few of the Moderators.
Sometimes you are a helpful member, who can provide invaluable assistance on some threads....why do you flip-flop?!

 

I'm very gratefull to all of you who posted and I want to say thanks.
This is a great place !!

 

Hey Zippy totally not understanding your reply toward me so please let me know I use Amsoil products and have used them in other vehicles. So not really sure where you are going with your post.