If you have experienced power steering problems, please answer questions here so we can all learn what we need to know to watch for the problem as well as be prepared to deal with MINI should we experience the same problem. It will help those who have already experienced failure by all of us learning more.

Survey questions are:

MC or MCS?
Build Date?
Mileage at failure?
Symptoms of failure? (overheating, hard steering, etc.)
Component that failed? (fan, pump, electrical connector, fuse, rack, etc.)
Corrective action? (Part replaced under warranty, replaced it yourself, etc.)

Compiling this information should be helpful for all of us.

Thanks,

 

I have an MCS, build date 12/02. On 8/03 I had the JCW kit installed. While there the service tech said they had a recall they would also perform on the MINI. It was the electrical device to separate the power steering circuit from the cooling fan circuit.

Haven't had any problems with the car to date. Was back at the dealer on 11/03 for the installation of the rear fog lights switch.

Electro-hydraulic power steering system has been working okay to date.

 

I had problems with my power steering around 3 months after I got my MCS.
The build date was April 2003. Milage was around the 4 to 5K miles mark. The symptoms was very hard steering. The whole power steering rack failed. Under warranty, the dealer replaced the whole rack and pinion on the car. Hope that helps you.

 

furioso,

could you provide details on the recall. i have a 9/2002 build 2003 mcs which i believe still has the 2 circuits on a single fuse.

i didn't receive a recall for this, but i also didn't receive a recall notice for the rear strut bolts, even though my car was in the VIN group for it.

thanks,
flyboy 2160

 

My 4/03 built MC has 2 circuits on 2 fuses.So far no steering problems after 25k miles

 

2002 Cooper CVT (8/2002 build) with 25K miles: ZERO power steering issues

2004 MCS (9/2003 build) with 11K miles: Zero power steering issues.

 

flyboy2160,


I believe that there never was an offical notification to owners. When you bring the MINI in for service, the service writer will see if your MINI falls in this catagory, and automatically have your car up-graded.

At least, that is how it was explained to me when I brought it in.

I haven't been back since last November, hope theres nothing else I'm missing!

 

have MCS Aug.02

just had power steering failer once on mountain run,it only lasted a minute and came back on i did pull over and let it cool off, think do to driving hard it over heated . i am taking the car on monday for a check up hopefully nothing is wrong...i will ask about the recall.