Just replaced my PS pump/fan @ 80k miles on my '05 MCS. $707 altogether in parts & new fluid.

I was planning on getting the OEM duct kit, but the price has SKYROCKETED in just a few months. Anyone know why they've shot from $75 up to $265? Anyone know where I can find one cheaper?

 

I rebuilt my own power steering pump on my r53, took about 3 days coz after cleaning out the control board, I applied clear coat to protect it from carbon build up from the brushes.

I put up a lil write up here http://www.minicooperguide.com sadly I wasn't able to take pictures of it while doing the rebuild. If you guys need a rebuild and don't want to do it yourself, I can do it for you $75 labor and you pay for shipping both ways though.

Pm me if you need help.

I'm located here in socal.

 

Just did my power steering pump/fan/lines/reservoir at 93k -- thanks, Way, for the great prices on parts.

One thing to note, if you're installing the forge chromed reservoir for a little extra bling, you'll need to add a washer/buffer between the bracket as the machined reservoir is not exactly the same size as the old reservoir (doesn't have that plastic lip).

Great guides on this site, plenty of pictures, made the process painless!

 

the link http://www.minicooperguide.com/ will not open
now its working.

 

My 2004 cooper pump steering has been going on and off for the past year now. Recently I've also had to replace my alternator, fail on me a month later, and now have another new alternator.

My question is: Could my power steering pump issues damage my alternator in any way? Any help would be appreciated thanks.

 

It can, because if it draws too much high transient current which can damage the regulator inside the alternator. Those instantaneous draw will not blow your fuse but can damage solid state electronics.

Just my 2cents.

 

Should I disconnect the power steering pump for now then until I get it fixed?

Searching through the forums I know that there are a lot of options, but whats the most affordable option so far? My local mini shop quoted me $980 with tax...

 

Most affordable option is having the ps pump rebuilt and then installing it urself. That is if ure mechanically inclined, its just a pain taking it off though.

 

Not necessarily.

On original alternator at 167K miles and second PS Pump and a 17% SC the pulley about every mile of that. Mine was making noise for last 40k miles of it's life and was working on and off for about 3 weeks.

If your replacing the alternator with Non-OEM, depending on the brand/source there has been problems with some. Not sure if it's a matter of the wrong part for the job or who rebuilt them.

MrCooper ( moderator here ) installed maybe three alternators in his MCS within a few months. Not sure how it all panned out or where he finally found one that worked.

 

this is a pretty good doc with pics for my r53 good luck I'll be doing this myself next week http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm

 

The pumps are the same. The reason for the failure in the earlier models appears to be due to poor fan design causing the fans to fail.

 

This helped me a lot
http://www.billswebspace.com/MiniR53PSPFanDuctDIY.htm

I bought the fan from a1electric.com they gave me a discount on the fan which was a big help!

 

As gta18 suggested, rebuild it yourself and clean the electric end well. I polished the commutator and made sure the brushes were free to move again. The carbon dust really kills it. I'm at 296,000 miles on the original pump.

 

Looks like MINI US is finally going to help us. Also reimburse those who have paid out to fixed their own out of your own pocket.

 

Nice find! Are you sure this is for the USA - I think Canada recently offered the same service. My 2006 escapes again.

 

This is the most recent bulletin in the US. I will hopefully have more details shortly.

 

I just got the same letter.

 

 

Hmmm, replaced the fans and pumps on BOTH my 05 and wife's 06. Been so many years I do not have the receipts to get my money back

 

What about those of us who own used MINIs that fall under the proper production year(s) for replacement?, he wondered aloud.

 

Supposedly we are covered too. Call them if you have any issues.

 

Great news. I never thought any action would come of this issue. Mine's pump is still going. Noisy, but it still works.

 

I'll be grinning when I get reimbursed. I replaced the power steering fan in my '02 R53 last summer and the power steering pump last month. Fortunately, both were done at the MINI dealership I use in Denver. Great guys. I'm pretty sure I'm looking at $1000+ for these two repairs.

This reminds me of a transaxle failure I had in another car. A year later, the dealership service manager said, "Didn't you have to get your transaxle replaced? It's been recalled and you're going to be reimbursed!" That was $1600 a few years back and it was suhweeeet!

I hope this goes through without any snafu's!

 

On my new to me '06 Hardtop, the power steering pump whines pretty loudly. Is this normal or should I get ready for the big bill?

 

Reading the notice, it doesn't sound as though your model year is covered by the above extension of warranty. Sounds like it's on 2005 and earlier models. I just checked my bill (since I had my '02 pump replaced last month and with labor and everything it was about $782. But the dealership gave me a great deal because I belong to 5280mini.org. Best $29.00 I spend each year!