Here's a PS pump repalcement DIY write up that might help.

 

I noticed you are in Portland. Are you a member of the PDXMINI club?

If so, check with them as they have experience with replacing the pumps locally for a very decent price.

 

Apparently, this is a big problem. I can't drive my car right now because I need a new shaft and I was told by Autowerks of Freeport, Maine and MINI of Peabody that the part is on international back-order. Autwerks is waiting for three and MOP is waiting for seven. They should be arriving in August.

 

I'm having the same problem due to binding with the steering shaft. The part is on international back order. Driving the car right now would cause the pump to work very hard and it could burn it out, so the car is in my garage until the part is in.

 

I thought my pump was going, but it turns out it was the steering rack. With so many people having the same issue, a recall seems in order.

 

Just filed a complaint with the NHTSA. Seems like a common issue. https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/Complaint.cfm

 

Tim, What parts do you need? feel free to call me 336-476-8551

--Dan

 

For the past 3 days, my powersteering has been going in and out randomly.

It will just go out randomly mid turn or at a stop light. It's getting pretty f**king annoying..

When it comes back, it just randomly comes back..

Anyone have this problem? I did do a search first, but most people either have power steering or do not.

Has something come loose and is blocking the flow of PS fluid therefore causing intermittent power steering?

 

I had this happen myself.

The terminals on the pump had corroded off and were hardly making contact. I ended up having to buy a new pump, the terminals are cast in plastic and aren't repairable.

 

I'd say you need a new pump. We have em in stock. It's a pretty common problem.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/product...6&cat=0&page=2

 

My car started doing this today driving to / from work.
What's the cost of this repair?

 

This is an expensive repair mainly because of the cost of the power steering pump. A new pump from a dealer is around $661 but can be purchased from other sources (like Ebay) for around $470 to $540. Rebuilt pumps are less and if you can wait for 7 to 10 days you can have your pump rebuilt for around $225 at BBA-reman.

The labor charge for installation varies depending upon if you use a dealer or an independent mechanic.

 

My power steering pump has failed. After 5-10 minutes of driving I loose all power steering and its impossible to turn. How much is the part and where is a good place to get it?

 

See this thread: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post2829985

 

I just dealt with this on my '02 MCS.

BBA reman was $215, not including shipping to them. Quick turnaround, but they'll also send you one and wait for your core if you're so inclined.

Removal/Reinstall was covered pretty well in a few other threads; what's important is that though it was a huge pain in the rear, it was do-able. If you're so inclined, here are my tips to getting it done:

1. I don't see how you could accomplish this project without ramps or a lift. Maybe you could do it on jackstands, but they'd have to be pretty tall.

2. There's a lot of stuff to disconnect, and it's all on the top of the pump. Nearly everything will have to be disconnected and reattached with the pump hanging in the 'almost-out' position.

3. There's a thread somewhere that details using a Dremel tool to notch out the slot that one of the bolts fits through. This is wholly unnecessary if you look at the pump and remember that there are three axes to rotate around. Square peg, round hole.

4. Tupperware or plastic container to catch fluid (and another hand to hold it in place while you disconnect things) is a must.

5. Glossy magazines under tires for the post-install air-bubble eradication are also a must.

It took me an hour to get mine out and only a half to get it back in. Having small, nimble hands helps, too.

-c

 

Just an FYI on BBA-reman: if you want to get a working pump before sending in the core, they charge $200 dollars difference. So,

$220 + shipping there for yours to be rebuilt
$420 + shipping there to get someone else's rebuilt unit and turn in your core
$570 + shipping there if you get a rebuilt unit and don't send back your core.

I called them today and they have 2 in stock. Since I can't justify $200 more for the same end, however, I'll be rigging my mini to run without power steering until they can fix mine own.

 

This appears to be a well documented problem with the 1st gen Mini Coopers.

Will the dealer cover this even if your out of warranty? I know sometimes dealers will cover something out of warranty if it is a very common problem.

 

What will you do to rig your Mini to run without PS?

 

Doubtful that the dealer will help.

 

Caution on the rebulit pumps. I already replaced one of the "rebuilt" units. It failed a month after getting it rebuilt. Buy new and be safe.

 

******! I was going to buy rebuilt too..

The Mini Cooper is really tapping into my EVO modding funds..

I need a new windshield, new PS pump. and possibly new AC compressor.

 

Another option is to see if there is a local shop that has a service/parts account at a MINI dealer. You can then get the redisigned/updated unit for not much more.

 

Off the BBA website: "[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=1]All BBA products are covered by a limited 2 years warranty. See your invoice for terms and conditions."[/SIZE][/FONT]

 

+1

 

So I can buy one for $600
Rebuild the one I have for $250 and wait 3-5 daysfor its return and not drive the car.
or $250 and drive the car with out a powersterring pump.

All lousey answers.