Hello guys. I have been having few problems with my Mini. Like fx I lost the engine cover and the belt slips when its raining. I just ordered a new cover, but could this slipping damage somethinng?
Then its like the steering pump has stopped working. The steering is so hard and like fx I make a turn and loose the grip on the wheel it does not go back. I had resently Powerflex wishbone bushes installed and dont know if they are doing this.
Best slipping when raining?
Powerflex wishbone buses?
Shot pump?

I just checked the fluid level and it is ok. Maybe it needs flusing?

 

Sounds like you may be in the market for a new steering rack

 

You mean the pump, right?

 

No the rack itself. Check the boots and I think you'll probably find one or more that have cracked or split and that they have lost all of the lubricant in them

 

If it's not returning to center, it's more than just a pump.

As for the belt squealing when wet, it might just be a worn belt. I had slipping when COLD, on my R50 with a brand new belt. It was from my local parts store, and was ever so slightly too long. So if your belt is new, then it might not be the correct belt.

 

Hmm. Is it often that the rack goes bad?
Darn it. this sound really bad :(
What is the a boot?

 

No, but that doesn't mean yours isn't.
Been there. I feel your pain.
The ***. Or hatch, or trunk, or luggage compartment.

 

Actually the boots I was referring to are the rubber encapsulates filled with lubricant (usually oil) at each of the joints of the steering rack.

 

Stupid question. Missing something, but why should I check the boot if I am having problems with my steering?
Se the reply now.

 

Oh yeah! We can't post in the same thread anymore. Our signatures look just similar enough to confuse me...

 

I thought you were the same guy but it turns out you are 2 :D

 

The boots he is talking about are the rubber coverings on the steering rack...
A few things to check...
Check the fluid level for the ps.
Next look at the belt...look and feel it...are the ribs intact? Is the frontside showing any wear? Know when it was changed last?
As previously mentioned, when the ps pump fails, the steering reverts to manual...it gets hard to turn. Beyond this, if the steering wheel does not return to center on its own, you have another issue too...possibly related...like the rack leaked the fluid...past the boots, stopping the pump, or letting it fail...
Things may be getting lost in translation, but the general steering system in the mini is pretty common, except it has a electric ps pump...most any mechanic should be able to look at the rack while the car is on a lift...that and if you do refil/add ps fluid, mini uses a specialized fluid...common in many vw's, so even lacking a mini dealer, it should still be avalable.

 

Funny thing, but I started the car today and the pump started working. The only thing is that it still feels a little bit hard. The pump seems to be fine. THis is to weird . Any ideas?
I had powerflex wishbone bushes installed in february. Could that be something worth mentioning?

 

Sounds like your pump is on its last legs. Not the bushings.