Me too. Complete garbage. I replaced mine and now I'm completely paranoid if it's being cooled properly (for instance stop-n-go traffic). I feel like installing a mini-cam by the fan to insure it's spinning when it should. Seems the only time I can visually inspect to see if the fan is properly running, is if i put the car in neutral, turn the A/C on, hop out, and look under the car to see/hear the fan spinning. I just wish I knew when exactly the fan engages (besides the A/C trick I mentioned above).

 

Yeah I can think about 10 places in my car Id like to install a mini-cam to keep an eye on things. That's funny

 

My nonMINI mechanic told me not to replace anything yet. He said he needs to inspect my MINI when it is having the steering problem. I've gone two weeks (several hundred miles) without a recurrence, but I'm still worried. It's just a matter of time, I guess. Thanks for all the feedback, though.

 

I replaced my power steering fan and the pump works properly again because it is not overheating.

 

When does your power steering fan engage?

 

I have no idea. i can't hear it. the shop put a new one in for me.

 

How much is a new fan? I'm wondering if that will save me $ down the road.

 

bout $125, bout $200 installed, replace it.

 

Thanks for all the talk on this topic. Please excuse my ignorance. I am not a car guy, I just love my MINI. Please correct me if I'm wrong on this: A properly working power steering fan will prevent the pump from going out, which will prevent the need to replace the rack. Is that line of thinking correct?

 

Keep an eye on your PSP/PSF fuses too.

 

Went out this morning and car would not start. Power steering pump running so after reading forum determined I must have new pump. My question is, I live around Atlanta and would like to know of some trusted Mini mechanics in the area. Thanks in advance.

 

Check out Way at http://www.waymotorworks.com/pages.php?pageid=2

 

Hey, this morning my power steering went out after an occasional brief on/off run of several months. Anyone experience similar issues that weren't covered by warranty? I know this is gonna be expensive I just want to know how bad. Anything that I can check or try in advance would be helpful.

 

I hear people rag on their MINI dealerships all the time, but I gotta say, I have never had issues with Mini of St. Louis. When I brought the car in yesterday they said 9 times out of 10 its a power steering system pump that goes out. I was quotes $946.00 + $35.00 fluid. After the initial diagnostic I was told it wasn't the pump, but rather the power steering motor. The price was comparable, but I was informed that Dave, the service manager there had decided the BMW would pick up the tab. My car is out of warranty by 14,xxx miles! He gave my an '08 Cooper loaner and said it would be completed today by noon at no fee to me.
I don't know what prompted this, and if any of you have a theory I'd be interested. He called it a goodwill gesture. Whatever it was, I'll have a running car again in a couple hours and enough money to still buy Christmas presents. So props to STL Mini.

 

I just filled out a complaint on this as well. I really wish I had found this board before.
My power steering went out while I was on Ortega in So. Cal. last month. And like alot of people there was no warning no weirdness, just one moment there and the next......oh crud! I guess I should be happy I was on the west end and the curves arent as dangerous there nor are the cliffs as high. I didnt crash but boy I started sweating bullets! I had my kid in the car......My husband replaced the belts and what not that a mechanic told him was the problem. It was fine for a little.
Then on the 26th of this month I was making a left and that was the end of that. No worries, I didn't crash but I cried alot. (yeah Im a chick)
So on a more constructive note: does anyone know where I can get a new pump on the cheap or if they have finally recalled the stupid thing?

 

http://www.bba-reman.com/catalogue/D...ledProduct=920

GotMINI

 

Search this site for BBA Reman; they will rebuild you pump for $200 if memory serves and give a lifetime warranty, the pump is easy to replace. Goog luck.

 

Nice link, thanks.

 

Been reading a lot of threads on this subject since I have experienced this problem. Currently I am looking for the best place to get some hard to find parts. I bought a new electric power steering pump at Carquest but found out the plastic plugs at the end of the wiring harness that plug into the motor are damaged and need to be replaced.Is the dealer the only place to buy those. The cooling fan seems ok but where is the best place to buy that if I decide to. And finally, it looks like if I took it to a dealer they would do some rewiring or seperate fuses or something. Just need a little advice from somebody that has been there,done that. Thanks

 

We stock some of those parts, but feel free to give us a call tomorrow and we'll see if we can fix you up.

WAY
317.201.8670

 

I found this in my earching for a new pump.
http://www.germanautoparts.com/Mini/...2/4526/7684236

 

Found this info that may help: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...p-failing.html

 

Followup on above (a little late). The problem was the lower steering column universal joint. Rusted and bound up. Nothing at all to do with the power steering pump or rack. Dealer replaced thje lower shaft and universal. It has been 2 years and still ok.

 

Thanks for the tip .

Mini acknowledges nothing and only refers me back to the dealer because that is the only place you can buy the parts........well according to them anyways......

 

Click on the link in post#10 above. You can buy the part there.