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Stock Problems/IssuesDiscussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.
I have a 2003 R53 with just over 150k miles on it.
Lately, I have noticed a constant whining noise while driving the car. I assumed this to be a dying power steering pump, but I hadn't experienced any power steering losses so I disregarded it for a week or so..
Well, just this morning I tried to start the car up after it had been sitting overnight. The car started up very rough, lights were flickering in the cluster, there was also a beeping noise, my headlights were flashing as if they were not getting enough power to stay on...Also, as soon as I go to turn the wheel, the car stalls.
Could a bad power steering pump be sucking the power from the battery and be causing these issues? Also, given my mileage, I am assuming im not covered under any warranty or recall am I?
Going to move you to the Stock Problems/Issues area.
There is a 100 amp fuse for the PS pump (on bottom of engine fuse box and you have to turn the fuse box over in order to see) and would think if you the pump was sucking so much voltage the car would stall that the fuse would pop first. You have verified that the belt system/pulleys are all functioning correctly?
Seems more like an electrical problem, check you battery and alternator. Make sure you have proper voltage. As, WnW stated, if the pump was drawing to much juice, fuse would blow. Did you check the fluid level, could be the source of your whine.
Thanks for the replies everyone! I will check the fuse along with the pulley side of the car tomorrow. Ill also check voltages and report back...I did look at the PS fluid level and it was right where it should be.
You might be able to save the cable with the end on it by getting a new eyelet and cleaning the old cable and clamping/ crimping it on. Then shrink wrap the end.
Hey all, just did a search for this as I'm pretty sure I'm having my power steering pump starting to fail.
Got an '05 MCS R53 bought new up to 130k miles(I think lol, have a new commute that's super short so haven't been paying attention).
Just two days ago as I was leaving work I noticed it was slightly tough to turn out of my parking space and drove home. I wrote it off thinking it was kind of chilly out so maybe that had something to do with it. Drove the car the other day when it was warmer and yup, definitely sticking when turning at lower speeds, specially the right turn, left seems to be easier. Its weird. It will stutter out of stiffness and then back. Steering is smooth but the stiffness comes and goes. I don't hear any knocking or clicking so I ruled out the cv joints(even though ive heard those have a tear last I took it in). I checked my fluid level for the power steering and it looks like it's at a normal level(then again I checked when it was dark out and I could see the reflection of my cell phone flashlight pretty clearly on some liquid that seemed pretty high up the tank).
I feel totally crapped since I just found out there was a recall for my model years for the PS pump and fan that I would've assumingly qualified for had I checked last year.
I feel like just buying a new PS pump(any recommends?) and taking it to my shop guy and having him replace it.
think my car is weather tight?
