I have been reading way to many pump failure posts and am relieved to see that my pump is under warranty for a few more years. However, I just started having steering issues on Sunday and I am not sure if it is the pump. What I noticed is that the steering does not return to on center like it used to. It is as if I need to return the wheel myself coming out of a turn.

This all started when I pulled into the driveway that evening and as I was making the last low speed turn (curved driveway) I noticed that I needed to return the steering wheel myself. Is this pump related or something else?

As a test I went out in the church parking lot behind our house and drove circles left and right at full lock and when I would release the wheel to come out of the turn and I had give a slight tug when I was just about back to straight. It would return about 90% to center and I had to help the last bit.

Any help and/or comments will be appreciated as my closest dealer is over 200 miles away. The car is a 2005 Cooper.

Thanks!!!

 

Check the steering linkage on the lower portion. If its not the PS pump or fan on its way out, its usually the binding for the steering spindle.

Check the lower steering spindle, they have a lower joint that can sometime be a problem.



Part number 32306763722


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/32306763722/ES52569/




Talked about here with the centering problem.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...to-center.html

Thanks

 

Also check your strut top bearings--they are un-sealed and can fail.