Hello All..I have a 2006 Cooper S Convertible. I notices this past weekend while driving in nice warm Michigan fall weather, that the steering is kind of tough to steer, also I can hear a winey noise as I am turning the steering left or right. Is this a sign of faulty power steering pump? I checked the power steering fluid and it's okay. How do I know if it's time to replace it. Are those expensive? where is best place to get one? replace one?
Thank you so much.

 

Best thing to do is to get it checked by a MINI specialist, dealer or otherwise.
If it is the pump that needs replacing, "expensive" can be a relative term.
If mine ever goes, I will be considering the power steering delete kit.
https://www.condorspeedshop.com/prod...teering-delete

 

The pump is electric and only runs on demand. Spendy - yes. When mine went, and I think this is common, it just quit due to a failed controller. It's normal to hear the whine when moving the steering wheel, especially in a garage. And I find the MINI steering to be somewhat heavy feeling for a little car. Has yours gotten heavier?

Jeremy

 

Thank you. Didn't know you can do a delete to it. Probably because of the pricy repairs am assuming.

 

Thank you.

 

For later 2005 and up models they were not covered by the service bulletin, but some options here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-loaction.html


Might be the fan or the pump :

https://www.ecstuning.com/News/MINI_...g_Pumps_19695/


Check the lines also, they might be leaking and you might just be low on fluid.

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

 

Thank you so much for the information.

 

Welcome. Fellow R52 owner here also.