I stopped to do some shopping and when I came out to drive away, the power steering didn't work. I went a few blocks for some additional shopping and when I came back out, the steering worked.
Do I have an upcoming problem?
2004 MC40
Thanks

 

You have a current problem that's going to get worse.

 

Is my power steering pump going bad?

 

Moving you to the stock problems/issues area.

Suggest you call a nearby Mini Dealer with your VIN in hand and see if your car had the power steering pump replaced under the recall.

On the "now its off and now its on" I am thinking your fan is bad that overheats the pump.

 

The dealership is about 6 or 7 hours away and so I haven't had it replaced.
If I drive @ 25 mph for about 5 miles then I get steam coming out of the radiator overflow bottle. If I drive on the hwy at 45, I don't get steam out of the overfill and at no time does the dash gauge go beyond normal temp.

 

So, you have 2 problems?

1) Power Steering not working properly.
2) Car is overheating.

I'm pretty sure one has nothing to do with the other.

Overheating- Overflow tanks go bad all the time, check the seams of the unit, look to see if you have coolant marks in the middle of the tank. Cap could be bad.Check and make sure there is no air in the system, properly bleed the system, then go to Thermostat and housing, then on to Water Pump.

Power Steering- Check fluid level. Check to see if you pump is under the recall for replacement.

There is tons of knowledge in this forum, use the search feature, Good Luck...

 

If the dealer is too far for you to drive, and there are signs of pump issues, then it appears you will be taking money out of your wallet to get the issue corrected.

On the coolant tank steam, Gumbedamit has some good advise.

 

Yes. It is a common problem. It will fail periodically with increasing frequency until it goes out completely.

There is a safety recall. You can check online if it applies to your car.
http://www.miniusa.com/content/miniu...rt/recall.html
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/201...5V660-7070.pdf

If you are far from a dealer, you should consider using a local independent mechanic, although you would have to pay for the repair yourself.

 

Overheating- Overflow tanks go bad all the time, check the seams of the unit, look to see if you have coolant marks in the middle of the tank. Cap could be bad.Check and make sure there is no air in the system, properly bleed the system, then go to Thermostat and housing, then on to Water Pump.


I have had coolant residue below the seam for a number of years now and didn't give it much thought other than just cleaning it.

Power Steering- Check fluid level. Check to see if you pump is under the recall for replacement.

The level is below where I need to add. Will add today.
Will check today if the pump is under recall.
I am checking to see what the mini weighs so I might haveto tow it into the dealership and spend a couple of nights at a motel until it's fixed.
Too bad I can't have my mechanic do the work with the factory replacement part.

 

Mine was on and off, then it just went. Check if you fall under the extended warrenty for the pump. If its the original pump they will replace it. If its been replaced before it might get denied because you have the newer pump number.

 

How long did it last when it was on and off?
Checking weight of the mini to see if my Macan will be able to pull it with the weight of the trailer, or take a chance and drive it all the way there.

 

Like 2 days, then it went.

MINI weight : 2,315 to 2,513 lbs dependant on options.

 

So now it comes down to where do I come out the best as far as $$ is concerned.
The pump is the original.
I will have to take into consideration fuel cost there and back, hotel and food. I have a feeling it there will be less of an affect on my wallet if I have it done by my mechanic, who is very reasonable.

 

There have been posts on here about MINI reimbursing previous repairs when done before a recall. Not sure what happens if it was done after the recall, though. If you decide to pay locally I would submit a claim to MINI and see what happens.

 

Issue of overheat is probably the coolant tank. New tank comes with a new pressure cap, find a MINI club near you and find out what repair shop they can recommend. MINI coolant systems can be a real PITA to properly bleed. When not done correctly air pockets will form causing overheat conditions again. Once this repair is complete, you can drive the MINI to the dealer for the recall. Will be a good workout for the biceps....

Power steering pump replacement is a $1300.00 job and refund for work done outside of dealership is only covered if you had it done before the recall came out.. Recalls must be performed at a dealership.

 

That's a real shame that they don't give any allowance for people like me who live so far away from a Mini dealer. We do have a BMW dealer but they won't work on Minis

 

If I'm not too late I'd like to let you know that MINI will have a loaner car for you to drive while the repair is being done. Like you, my MINI dealer is over 100 miles away. I drove it with no power steering, not too bad until you get into the city/having to to park. If that's any peace of mind. Btw my loaner car was a brand new Paceman S! :DROOL: I LOVE THAT CAR! Too bad the repair and full car check up only took 5ish hours.

I was very reluctant to return the Paceman.