Back in 2002 there was much concern about the vulnerability of the power steering fan to debris because of the cheesy plastic screen MINI put on. Everyone warned that you were in danger every mile you drove until you put on a metal aftermarket screen.

In the intervening three years I have never seen anyone mention losing their power steering fan. So, did everybody but me buy one of those metal screens, and that is why nobody reported any problems?

 

The power steering fan on my 02 MCS went in May of 2003. Right after that I purchased the moss skid pad and have since replaced that with the moss fan shroud. Never had a problem since. However, there is no evidence that the fan was knocked out by some obstacle to begin with.

Still a very happy owner with over 44k miles

Here is my original post from mini2 although the pictures I had included are no longer available. http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30835

 

Good question. I have seen only a couple posts where something got jammed in the PS fan and either burned up the fan or popped the fuse.
I have the Stainless Fan Guard because at the time, I thought it was cheep insurance. Can't even claim a "Bling" factor because you can't see it unless your changing the oil.

 

Just make sure that if you guys/gals ever have problems with the steering pump or any other steering problem, to remove those plates !!! I had a problem with my steering pump a while back and the dealer did not want to fix it 'cause the plate had to be remove by them !! Also, they were blaming my skid plate for the steering pump braking !!!

 

Some time in 2003 they changed the wiring, so that losing the PS Fan would not take out the Main radiator fan and overheat the car.

They also changed the P S fan and include a shield. The shield sold for aftermarket will not fit the 2004 MINI.

My Sept 2003 built 2004 MCS, has been put through belly scraping snow plow packed snow at the foot of my driveway both forward and backward, with no fan damage so far.

John