Only has 38,000 miles. This afternoon the power steering just quit. All my research on this board indicates pump failure. But there is a strong smell of possibly burnt contact? fuse? Any chance the fuse blew or am I just dreaming? Pump reservoir is full. If the pump, who has the best price to buy one? Thanks!

 

At that low mileage I would be thinking electrical supply, not pump failure. You need to eliminate that possibility before you throw $650 at a new pump, which may not be the problem.

 

Take a look for melted wiring around the pump.

 

Thanks for the tips so far. This morning went into the garage just to make sure it wasn't something simple like a broken belt (which it wasn't). Still has that overwhelming smell that I now will compare more to the smell of over heated brakes and not an electrical smell. Overheating power steering pump?

 

Check the power steering fan underneath the car, does it turn on after the A/C is powered up high with recircualtion?

5 AMP Fuse may have blown or the fan seized up causing the pump to overheat.

Did you check the PS fluid level?

 

Reservoir is full. Will do the other checks when I get off work today.

Next question. I have a very small garage. I will have to pull the car out of the car to if I have to remove the pump. Fortunately we are having a very warm winter here in Missouri.

Once the pump is removed will I be able to start the car and drive it back in the garage? I suppose I can always push in the garage if I have to.

Finally, where is the best place to buy a new or remanufactured pump?

Thanks!!!!!!

 

Here is a good how-to on pelican regarding the pump

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm

Pelican has them for $670, not too bad since on the MINI it seems like it needs to be replaced every 7 to 10 years as a wear & tear item.

Not sure if it would cause any harm if you had to move it down the driveway with it removed

BBA used to have the pumps rebuilt for $200 plus $150 core a few weeks ago but it looks like they changed the policy regarding the price until they received your power steering pump:(

http://www.bba-reman.com/catalogue/D...ledProduct=920

 

BBA ebay store

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Cooper-...-/330661384023

$350 for a rebuilt unit.

 

Folks haven driven them for a bit with the pump removed....can do it on jacksrands or preferbly ramps...be sure to use the proper petrosin ps fluid....imo get a new pump...folks sometimes find 2 or 3 rebuilds begore they find one that works right (no intermitant or contiounous run issues). The hydroloc pump is rebuilt/replaced....the electronic and the motor is only cleaned or tested....so they are not truely remanfactured or rebuilt.....

 

Well I got the car up on jack stands and started it up. Power steering had come back! I did the test to see if the fan works. Turned the AC on high with recirculation and waited and waited and waited. Nothing. Turned the car off. Pulled the fuse, looked good, put back in. Got under the car and with a screw driver moved the fan back and forth. Seemed to stick a little and then loosen up.

Started the car back up. AC on high and the fan came on! Got the car off the stands and have been driving it around. I suspect this may just be a temporary reprieve from having to replace the pump, but we will see. Thanks for all the help from everyone, but especially GoThingNC!

 

Remove the PS fan from the car and turn it upside down tap it on a board or something. Use compressed air to try to clean it out. Debris can get stuck in there and cause your fan sticking problem which will kill the fan. The fan isn't difficult to remove and you'll actually be getting debris out of the fan, if there is any in there, vs. just moving it around by turning it with a screwdriver while it's still mounted to the car.

 

Hound: Remove the PS pump, or remove the PS fan?

 

OOPS... FAN not pump.

 

Good idea! I'll try and get that done today and keep my fingers crossed. :D

 

Glad it is working again, might have overheated.

Use a 6 point socket when removing the nuts for the fan housing so they do not strip.

Also, watch your knuckles and disconnect the battery.