So I have an 06 R53 and I recently replaced the power steering pump. I didn't connect the wire completely so the pump went out and I think the pressure from driving it home without it also caused all of the CHS 11F steering fluid to leak. When I propped the car up to service it and refill the fluid. I removed the front driver side (US) tire, to my surprise there was a burnt orange caramelish or similar color fluid also on the axel. It was very thick and I could tell where the PS fluid was and this was in a different spot. VERY different from PS fluid! What could it be? All my fluid levels that I can check in the engine bay are normal. Please help!

I bought the car used and it has an ALTA 17% pulley on it, where or what kind of belt do I need to get to change my belt out. I also want to change out my rear sway bar bushings and engine mounts. Any suggestions on those? I have a kind of squeal/squeak on startup that just happens as its starting or if I pull the clutch out too much before pressing the accelerator, what could that noise be from?

I love my mini! It is so much fun to drive! I get why there are so many fanatics! Have a great day! Thanks for your time!

 

So I figured out the fluid my cv boot exploded. Now I need to fix that! No fun! The other help would still be nice

 

Power steering fluid leaks are quite common on these cars, whenever we have a chance to, we will remove the factory crimp style clamps on the feed & return lines and install worm style clamps in their place to stop the leaks at those connections. The return line is also a culprit for leaks, as it has a hose crimp about half way through where it transitions from rubber to steel.

The squeak/squeal you hear on clutch engagement is the DMF howling, or "Chewbaka", which can be evidence of a failing DMF or a worn clutch being engaged in the cold. Valeo has a great conversion kit that will fix a dying clutch, as well as do away with the burden of a DMF.

As for a belt, we will run a 1379mm belt on cars that run a 15/17% reduction pulley.

Nick
Detroit Tuned

 

Thanks for the info! I had the clutch replaced when I first got it so the clutch isn't bad. What's the DMF?

 

Dual mass flywheel, sorry technical acronyms.

 

Haha. I should've know !