[richard@keepersgate.]

My 4 year old, 30,000ml Cooper S has suddemly started loosing steering assistance for a few seconds. This only happens from time to time, but is very disconcerting! Anyone else had a similar problem, or any suggestions please. Thanks, Richard

[oldnell]

Hi Richard

It sounds like your power steering pump (which on a MINI is electric rather than being run off the drive belt) is on its way out. It's very common on the MINI. By continuing to drive it, you could cause further damage when it finally goes (for instance the wiring loom when the pump finally shorts out).

Search for "power steering pump" on this site and look at others' postings. If your car is under warranty, of course get it sorted. Even though you're way out of warranty, ask your dealer for goodwill from BMW. Normally they'll pay for the whole part and a good chunk of the labour if your mileage is very low (which it is).

It's "losing", by the way. Loose steering is something different. I've had both.

Oli

[Andy P]

There are a couple of threads here

http://www.mini2.com/forum/faults-fi...g-failure.html

http://www.mini2.com/forum/faults-fi...g-trouble.html

[richard@keepersgate.]

Thanks for the links and apologies for the spelling - too much red wine before posting!

[mab01uk]

This is a thread from NAM in USA from someone who has opened up (and photographed if you search through the thread) a pump motor for repairs and suggests the failure is often due to build up of dust from the motor brushes and or failure of the internal electronic controls.
PS Pump rebuild - LINK

BMW seem to charge about £500 to replace, a reconditioned pump if BBA-Reman have got one is about £140-200 but I have heard people pay up to £1200 if the steering rack is also leaking and replaced but this is more unusual. Here is a photo of the pump (which sits low down behind the engine) for your interest from BBA-Reman:- PS Pump

For a confident DIY mechanic it is not that difficult to swap and can be done from below on axle stands with standard tools. Disconnect battery. If you have an "S" there is a cooling fan/bracket to remove from the subframe followed by the pump itself,(1 nut, 2 bolts, electrical connection, fluid pipe). Renew the O ring on the high pressure outlet if fitted. Bleeding is straight forward like any other cars power steering. Pour in the fluid slowly to prevent air bubbles up to max. mark. Start engine park with front wheels on 2 glossy magazines (yes really they act as turn tables!) and turn steering slowly from lock to lock. (Don't hold full lock for more than 5 secs or you can damage pump). Stop engine & check level & for leaks, repeat the above several times to purge air, if any air remains causing noise leave overnight & repeat next day. Photos and detailed procedure is in the Mini Haynes Manual on page 10.4 and has been detailed in Modern MINI magazine a few months back and by some MINI2 forum members.