Need help!

I took my 2003 MINI Cooper S into the dealership for a louder than normal humming sound when I turn the A/C on. A/C not on... then no sound/problem. They said it was the power steering fan and it was defective. Dealership wants to charge $640 for replacement... Is this reasonable? It is fairly easy to install an aftermarket power steering fan? Which one is best?

 

The fan is a $180 part...simple to replace...just need to get at the middle underside of the car, remove 2 screws, unplug one wire.
The new fan may or may not come with a new mounting shroud...pre 2005 cars with the orgional bracket/shroud may need 4 rivits drilled out, and then the new fan attatched if it is to be reused...by the included screws.
Simple, easy, straightforward. Just plud it in, and reattatch. Done.
I think Waymotorworks sells the fans for $180 or so... Dealers are closer to $230 if I remember right. Easy diy if you have jackstands or a ramp...or are small and park the car on a tall curb....
It is a 15-30 minutes job for...simpler than an oil change IMO.

 

The oem fan is a Spal brand.....they are not cheap, but need to survive in a very harsh envoiorment....

 

That's more like it! I need to get a break down on how much they are charging for labor... More to come.

 

Okay...

Replaced:
Power Steering Fan
Tie Rod Ends
CA Bushings

Total Cost $1300 - Thankfully the extened warrenty paid for half of it.

Anyone know of good MINI Cooper mechanics in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area? I'm tired of taking it to the dealership, they overcharge for everything.

 

There's Sam and Joe's in Arlington. It's the only place I've found so far. Haven't looked too hard, though. It's still not cheap, but better than the dealership and I know at least one of them owns a Mini.