Is there an easy way to tell if the intermittent power steering failure is due to the fan or the pump? I have a 2005 Cooper base model.

Most of the time, if the power steering goes out, turning off the engine and restarting it solves the problem.

Thanks,
Bill

 

its likely the pump starting to fail. Mine was intermittent for awhile, till it died....

The fan just cools it, doesn't keep the ps pump from working.

Nik

 

I've read a time or two that the fan may be prevented from circulating (rock or other debris) and it shuts down the pump. I don't remember when since it has been a while. This has been going on for over three years but I've just been too lazy to figure this one out.

 

My PS pump was doing the same thing (mostly when stuck in traffic during summer months) when it would get hot. I would restart the car and all was well until next time. It took almost 2 years for it to die but eventually my pump died. Yours is more than likely experiencing signs of being on its way out. Not a cheap replacement either. I was warned not to go for a remanufactured pump either. Apparently these are pretty common weakness.

 

It is likely the pump. You can check if your fan is not working by checking the fuse. I can't remember the number. Freeing up the fan from debris helped mine for awhile, but eventually the pump completely failed. Mine was intermittent too for awhile.

Thankfully it was fully covered by MINI Canada's extended warranty on the fan and pump (i.e. MINI Canada extended the warranty on those parts). Had it all done in Dec for free! Otherwise, it is pricey unfortunately...

Mine was on an 05 copper cabrio.