Drove my 2005 MCS (R53) to work this morning, and when attempting to pull into a parking spot (steering turned to lock), it suddenly became hard to turn.--and smoke started appearing out of the hood. I brought it home (with no PS), and found the pass-side engine bay coated with fluid (and the reservoir empty). I haven't been under the car yet, but from the top, all hoses look intact (around the reservoir). Is there a specific place that is prone to leak/burst? I searched, but only found threads on slow leaks and PS pump failures. Thanks!

 

Idk what would cause it to leak like that, but if you are under 150k miles you should call the Mini dealer and have them check your VIN for the PS warrantee extension. Just got my 03 system replaced for free last week.

Mike

 

if the fluid was sprayed...sounds like a hose failed.....the ends sometimes weep...but a spray....got-a look!! the HIGH pressure side is VERY high PSI (for a car)....
and the warranty is ON THE PUMP+FAN....hoses are extra!!

 

Remove the fan (two bolts and an electrical connector)...you'll be able to see the hoses going to the power steering pump....

The pump is very low so if it did spray up like that with enough force to make it into the passenger side - I would agree that it would have to be the pressurized side..however that side hose is held on by a bolt...which would be kind of hard to just push out with pressure. The easier one the "feed line" coming down from the reservoir is held on by a clamp... But isn't under pressure I don't think...

That's where my knowledge of the system ends...let us know what you find out.

 

Thanks Mike, i emailed my dealer the VIN. I haven't read about the hoses bursting, so maybe i'll be lucky and find that a hose came off?--Simple fix of new clamps. More likely a high-pressure hose burst. Looks like i got plans for this weekend...

 

Might have just came off or a line split.

See here for more info on the lines.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...hose-pics.html

 

Found the problem! That hose is nearly impossible to get out!!!

 

Not clear to me which part of the plumbing that is. Please elaborate and provide picture with larger field. What caused that area of rubbing?

 

It was the high-pressure PS hose. It looks like one of the bolts on the bracket had backed off and was missing, allowing the hose to move around--probably the reason for the rubbing.

 

The part is right here, seen this happen a time or too. Mostly with that attached rubber bushing mount.

Pressure Hose For Steering Rack 32416781751 We have it an a lower cost aftermarket now, bremmen parts

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