Update: I flushed the lower joint with WD-40 and then applied very generously lithium-based grease. Problem gone! Thanks NAM!
Still, I have seen signs of really poor quality working on the joint so I may change it anyway soon...

 

My 2004 R53 had the original PS pump replaced under warranty at 163k miles, this was about 18 months and 5k miles ago. This was done by the previous and original owner.
Is the pump the Mini dealer put in (it says remanned) as likely to fail as the original?
Also, it's been leaking PS fluid, looks like around the reservoir top... starting with replacing o ring gasket on the screw in top

 

waaay lower, it has epoxy coating on pcb

 

Its just binds up, I have not seen or heard of one coming apart on the lower U joint. I limped mine along with greasing it.

The newest part does not have to be converted from RHD to LHD. Linked above. Then once a year hit it with some grease to persevere the new one.

Newest LHD version. Its linked in this thread a page back.

 

Had the same problem, and the same kind of temporary fix others have done made a huge difference. I soaked the joint with PBlaster for about an hour, hosed it off with WD, then gave it a shot of silicone (didn't have lithium on hand). Steering improved immeasurably. Will probably pull the column at some point and decide whether to replace it or not, but for now all is good.

Mainly I'm posting to add a diagnostic trick that I didn't see in the thread (stumbled on it while doing some exhaust work): if your steering is stiff or wonky, get both front wheels off the ground, unlock the steering wheel but don't start the engine, and give the wheel a spin. If it feels wrong (mine would get particularly stiff once per revolution), you can probably assume the problem is not with the pump, since the pump isn't working with the motor off.

 

Thanks for the info. PB blaster, buy it by the crate, its good stuff.

 

posted to wrong thread, sorry

 

I have a 2005 mini s and the power steering is stuck on. I have heard that the only repair for it is to replace the pump. Is that the only option?

 

You can pull the 100 A fuse and drive with no power steering.
There's a power steering delete kit that will make the steering easier than with broken power steering. It still won't be as easy as a car that was designed without power steering.
Run your VIN and see if there's an open recall. I just got my pump replaced for free on an '05 R52 S.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls

NOTE: do not just let the pump run until the battery dies. Disconnect the battery or pull the fuse. Cars have caught fire.

 

You could try cleaning the pump out. Steering on my '04 S was getting wonky a few months back - I pulled the pump, opened it up and cleaned it (compressed air first followed by brake cleaner), and things went right back to normal (changed the fluid while I was at it). LOTS of carbon dust came out of the pump motor....could be causing a short or other mayhem for you. I don't think that I opened up the control side, just the motor side, but a good compressed-air blowout and a shot of electronics cleaner on the control side are probably worth trying. Good how-to video is at . Definitely worth trying before you pop for a new (or used) pump.

 

So I have the same problem were the lower linkage has frozen together, while waiting for the new part, I want to grease the old one just so I will be able to drive the car normally, but how to grease the link, tried to pull the rubber cover but scared to break it.

 

Just shoot it with some PB blaster on the double U joint. Watch not to splatter on the exhaust. Soak the whole double U joint, then move the steering wheel with the car running back and forth to work in. That should buy you some time.

You can get it from the front wheel well with the wheel removed.