Hi guys,

A month or so ago, a car crashed into the drivers side rear wheel of my Mini Cooper 2002 (Auto).

There were a number of issues as a result and I presumed that the noisy steering that I was hearing was also a result of the incident. When notifying the insurer, the other party sent an assessor to assess the damage and ascertain the plausibility of what I had given in my report. They sent the following report to the other party:

"Upon checking the Mini Cooper, it was found that the power steering fluid reservoir was empty. Upon closer inspection it is apparent that there is a leak in the pump, as confirmed by the garage.

The steering column is connected to the steering rack and internal bearings are situated between these two parts, it was found that the bearings were worn.

We conclude that both these faults are common of Mini Coopers irrespective of mileage and the garage confirmed they change 2-3 of these a month."

I really doubt I have a case worth fighting here, compounded by the fact that the garage is not on side in this case.

So generally speaking, what is the actual repair I need to get done and how much should I expect to pay?

Is it a new steering rack? A new steering column? Attention to the internal bearings? A new PS pump?

Regards,

Nick

Anyone????

Sympathy! There was a steering column replacement provided for my 2002 Mini Cooper CVT just out of warranty. BMW covered the part cost and I fronted the labour. This was to fix the slight "clunk" in the steering as I turned the steering wheel.

I have also had a power steering pump replacement (new one is MUCH quieter), and more recently leaking power steering fluid ($1.50 clamp on the hose just under the reservoir fixed it, after BMW said I needed $1,500 in parts to replace the power steering hoses....).

The garage assessment sounds about right based on my experience. A good Mini garage should be able to diagnose and quote quickly. Check the hose clamps before replacing the power steering hoses, and I recommend getting the hoses re-built rather than replacing them. Steering column part was about $750 and labour about the same again....