MINI2

TeamF1Jr · Sep 2nd, 2002, 10:34 AM

Is your power steering noisy? With my brief experience with cars ( a couple VW GTI's, Audi S4 and now Mini S), I've never heard power steering be that noticeable. Surely if your steering is locked to the extreme left or right it's bound to make noise but my car makes noise even with little movements. Sort a whirring sound that increases as you move the wheel. You don't hear it while driving just in the stationary position. I don't think its a problem as all powered steering cars make a noise, it just that this one is the loudest sounding steering I've ever had. It might not be a problem, but maybe if I hear otherwise on this board I'll take it into the dealer.

Dom · Sep 2nd, 2002, 10:48 AM

No, not a 'problem'. It's because the steering is electric, instead of purely hydraulic. It's better in most respects, but noisier. I intend to see what can be done to make it quieter!

Dom

Mini Cruiser · Sep 2nd, 2002, 02:19 PM

u get use to it

TJL · Sep 3rd, 2002, 07:27 AM

I don't think you do get used to the noise of the steering. It is exceptionally noisy for an electrically assisted steering system. The noise is 'normal' for the Mini and is therefore not faulty and nothing to be worried about but it is NOT a good example of an EPHS (electrically powered hydraulic steering) system. I know a little about the history of this because I have been involved in the design of such systems and one that was considered for the Mini. In the end they went for a cheaper (but noisier) system and we are left with the audible results when the car is stationary.

Just for clarification, the steering is not electric - it is still hydraulically power assisted. An electric pump (which is what you hear) provides the hydraulic pressure instead of the traditional engine-driven mechanical pump.

daro911 · Sep 3rd, 2002, 08:33 AM

[quote]Originally posted by TJL
[b]I don't think you do get used to the noise of the steering. It is exceptionally noisy for an electrically assisted steering system.

AM I lucky or what but my brand new MCS is completely silent or will it get audible with some miles on the clock?

BruceK · Sep 3rd, 2002, 09:32 AM

[quote]Originally posted by daro911
[b]

Quote:

Originally posted by TJL
AM I lucky or what but my brand new MCS is completely silent or will it get audible with some miles on the clock?

The noise is most noticable when the steering wheel is being turned. To hear it clearly, with the car engine running while parked, put down both windows and turn the steering wheel. That high-pitched whirring noise that accompanies the turning of the wheel is the power steering pump.

TJL · Sep 4th, 2002, 07:14 AM

Daro911, you must have an unusually quiet steering system. Every Mini I have driven or been near has had the whining steering pump. Consider yourself lucky. There is no reason to think it will become noisy if it isn't now.

Of course its just possible that the most recent cars have improved noise performance - I'll find out soon when I pick up my replacement Cooper !

thegrommit · Sep 4th, 2002, 07:35 AM

My July '02 build has the whining pump.

Basil · Sep 4th, 2002, 08:04 AM

I love it......just adds to the charm and character of the car as far as I'm concerned.

6f7 · Sep 4th, 2002, 12:26 PM

I agree with Basil on this one. It's one of those things that is unique to MINI and my ears perk up when I hear it. I find that some of the quirks are what makes it special--and English

!

There are aspects of every car that are prominent in my memories. My fathers alpine sunbeam that had the e-break between the drivers seat and the door so you'd have to climb over it to get out. It was awkward, but it gave the car character. It gave the car an attitude. It wasn't there to adjust to your lifestyle and be perfect. You had to adjust to it in small ways and learn to love the flaws--or sell it.

The whine is one of those aspects. If they offered to silence my MINI--I'd probably turn it down!

Basil · Sep 4th, 2002, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 6f7
I agree with Basil on this one. It's one of those things that is unique to MINI and my ears perk up when I hear it. I find that some of the quirks are what makes it special--and English !

There are aspects of every car that are prominent in my memories. My fathers alpine sunbeam that had the e-break between the drivers seat and the door so you'd have to climb over it to get out. It was awkward, but it gave the car character. It gave the car an attitude. It wasn't there to adjust to your lifestyle and be perfect. You had to adjust to it in small ways and learn to love the flaws--or sell it.

The whine is one of those aspects. If they offered to silence my MINI--I'd probably turn it down!

Nice post....hear, hear.

Jacquesmontoya · Sep 5th, 2002, 12:14 AM

Turn up the cd and smile----First thing cincy mini told me........I dont hear it too much tho------Im MUCH more concerned about the ColdStart thing.....It will get COLD sometime this fall.....
jacquesmontoya
MAXI S- electric blue.....

Sep 2nd, 2002, 10:34 AM	#1
TeamF1Jr MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: us Local Time: 01:49 AM Posts: 29 Offline	Noisy power steering Is your power steering noisy? With my brief experience with cars ( a couple VW GTI's, Audi S4 and now Mini S), I've never heard power steering be that noticeable. Surely if your steering is locked to the extreme left or right it's bound to make noise but my car makes noise even with little movements. Sort a whirring sound that increases as you move the wheel. You don't hear it while driving just in the stationary position. I don't think its a problem as all powered steering cars make a noise, it just that this one is the loudest sounding steering I've ever had. It might not be a problem, but maybe if I hear otherwise on this board I'll take it into the dealer.

Sep 3rd, 2002, 07:27 AM	#4 (permalink)
TJL MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Warwickshire Local Time: 01:49 AM Posts: 11 Offline	I don't think you do get used to the noise of the steering. It is exceptionally noisy for an electrically assisted steering system. The noise is 'normal' for the Mini and is therefore not faulty and nothing to be worried about but it is NOT a good example of an EPHS (electrically powered hydraulic steering) system. I know a little about the history of this because I have been involved in the design of such systems and one that was considered for the Mini. In the end they went for a cheaper (but noisier) system and we are left with the audible results when the car is stationary. Just for clarification, the steering is not electric - it is still hydraulically power assisted. An electric pump (which is what you hear) provides the hydraulic pressure instead of the traditional engine-driven mechanical pump. TJL

Sep 3rd, 2002, 08:33 AM	#5 (permalink)
daro911 MINI2 Senior Join Date: May 2002 Local Time: 02:49 AM Posts: 495 Offline	Am I lucky or what? [quote]Originally posted by TJL [b]I don't think you do get used to the noise of the steering. It is exceptionally noisy for an electrically assisted steering system. AM I lucky or what but my brand new MCS is completely silent or will it get audible with some miles on the clock? Too many freaks not enough circuses Tell a man that there are 400 billion stars and he'll believe you. Tell him a bench has wet paint and he has to touch it.

Sep 3rd, 2002, 09:32 AM	#6 (permalink)
BruceK Moderator & Sponsor Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: San Antonio, Texas Local Time: 07:49 PM Posts: 3,758 Offline	Re: Am I lucky or what? [quote]Originally posted by daro911 [b] Quote: Originally posted by TJL AM I lucky or what but my brand new MCS is completely silent or will it get audible with some miles on the clock? The noise is most noticable when the steering wheel is being turned. To hear it clearly, with the car engine running while parked, put down both windows and turn the steering wheel. That high-pitched whirring noise that accompanies the turning of the wheel is the power steering pump. + 2002 MINI Cooper S - Dark Silver / White roof, Sport, Premium, Lapis blue leather + 1965 Mini Traveller - Tartan Red / White roof, 1275, Cooper S discs, fully restored/renewed

Sep 4th, 2002, 07:14 AM	#7 (permalink)
TJL MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Warwickshire Local Time: 01:49 AM Posts: 11 Offline	Daro911, you must have an unusually quiet steering system. Every Mini I have driven or been near has had the whining steering pump. Consider yourself lucky. There is no reason to think it will become noisy if it isn't now. Of course its just possible that the most recent cars have improved noise performance - I'll find out soon when I pick up my replacement Cooper ! TJL

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Sep 2nd, 2002, 10:48 AM	#2 (permalink)
Dom Test thread infiltrator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Swindon Local Time: 02:49 AM Posts: 8,420 Offline	No, not a 'problem'. It's because the steering is electric, instead of purely hydraulic. It's better in most respects, but noisier. I intend to see what can be done to make it quieter! Dom

Sep 2nd, 2002, 02:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
Mini Cruiser Pain In The ... Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Midlands, uk Local Time: 02:49 AM Posts: 2,716 Offline	u get use to it

Sep 4th, 2002, 07:35 AM	#8 (permalink)
thegrommit MINI2 Regular Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Where I live? Canada Local Time: 09:49 PM Posts: 343 Offline	My July '02 build has the whining pump.

Sep 4th, 2002, 08:04 AM	#9 (permalink)
Basil MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2001 Local Time: 11:49 AM Posts: 5,956 Offline	I love it......just adds to the charm and character of the car as far as I'm concerned.

Sep 4th, 2002, 12:26 PM	#10 (permalink)
6f7 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2002 Local Time: 07:49 PM Posts: 262 Offline	I agree with Basil on this one. It's one of those things that is unique to MINI and my ears perk up when I hear it. I find that some of the quirks are what makes it special--and English ! There are aspects of every car that are prominent in my memories. My fathers alpine sunbeam that had the e-break between the drivers seat and the door so you'd have to climb over it to get out. It was awkward, but it gave the car character. It gave the car an attitude. It wasn't there to adjust to your lifestyle and be perfect. You had to adjust to it in small ways and learn to love the flaws--or sell it. The whine is one of those aspects. If they offered to silence my MINI--I'd probably turn it down!

Sep 4th, 2002, 10:44 PM	#11 (permalink)
Basil MINI2 Master Join Date: Nov 2001 Local Time: 11:49 AM Posts: 5,956 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by 6f7 I agree with Basil on this one. It's one of those things that is unique to MINI and my ears perk up when I hear it. I find that some of the quirks are what makes it special--and English ! There are aspects of every car that are prominent in my memories. My fathers alpine sunbeam that had the e-break between the drivers seat and the door so you'd have to climb over it to get out. It was awkward, but it gave the car character. It gave the car an attitude. It wasn't there to adjust to your lifestyle and be perfect. You had to adjust to it in small ways and learn to love the flaws--or sell it. The whine is one of those aspects. If they offered to silence my MINI--I'd probably turn it down! Nice post....hear, hear.

Sep 5th, 2002, 12:14 AM	#12 (permalink)
Jacquesmontoya MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Cincinnati, OH Local Time: 09:49 PM Posts: 22 Offline	noisy steering..... Turn up the cd and smile----First thing cincy mini told me........I dont hear it too much tho------Im MUCH more concerned about the ColdStart thing.....It will get COLD sometime this fall..... jacquesmontoya MAXI S- electric blue..... Cheers /// Jacques

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