Dreaded Power Steering Failure :(

[burns863]

After a quick search regarding my problem, I can see that on the early first gen models, power steering failures was a common problem. Now I have joined the gang

I have decided to post up a new thread so i can detail my personal problem PAS problem...

3 times in the last couple of months I have returned to my MINI after it being in the car park all day at work. I start the engine, everything is fine. But as soon as I come to pull off, I notice I have no PAS. So, turn off the engine and the petrol gauge needle doesnt drop to zero as it normally does; instead it sticks in position for a while. Then the speedo needle begins to shake and vibrate (wierd I know ). Start the car up again, all is fine with no problems.

Iv been reading that this is likely to be a pump failure but to me it sounds more like a random electrical fault? Or could this be caused by the pump?

I was a little worried as I thought that this could occur when driving for example down the motorway, but further reading leads me to believe that it will only happen at low speeds? Therefore not being as much as a safety issue?

Before someone mentions it, going to the dealer sadly isnt really an option My MINI is out of warranty and the price they charge is ridiculous.

I would appreciate it if any MINI2'ers could find the time to help and advise me of what this problem may be caused by and/or what I should do about it.

Thanks in advance!

Dan

[Andy P]

Hi,

We had this happen to our previous MCS and it can happen at high speeds - went when I was driving at about 70mph down a duel carrigeway. Our's was fixed under warrenty and they changed the pump - then within 24hours it had gone again. Turns out it was the power steering control box and the connectors. These were then replaced and had no further problems.

Don't know if this helps

All the best in getting it fixed

Andy

[burns863]

Quote: Originally Posted by Andy P (original)

Hi,

We had this happen to our previous MCS and it can happen at high speeds - went when I was driving at about 70mph down a duel carrigeway. Our's was fixed under warrenty and they changed the pump - then within 24hours it had gone again. Turns out it was the power steering control box and the connectors. These were then replaced and had no further problems.

Don't know if this helps

All the best in getting it fixed

Andy

Thanks Andy that does help The control box sounds a more likely cause to me. I know you had it fixed under warranty but have you any idea if this was an expensive job?

Not sure whether to just take it to my local (and very reputable) garage to have it checked over?

[Andy P]

Quote: Originally Posted by burns863 (original)

Thanks Andy that does help The control box sounds a more likely cause to me. I know you had it fixed under warranty but have you any idea if this was an expensive job?

Not sure whether to just take it to my local (and very reputable) garage to have it checked over?

Don't know how much it cost - might be worth speaking to 1320 auto''s as they break mini's and might have something a bit cheaper

[radfordmini]

Quote: Originally Posted by burns863 (original)

Thanks Andy that does help The control box sounds a more likely cause to me. I know you had it fixed under warranty but have you any idea if this was an expensive job?

Not sure whether to just take it to my local (and very reputable) garage to have it checked over?

Hey Burns. Did you get your car fixed? What was wrong and how much did cost to rectify? My powersteering has just died! Any assistance much appreciated.
R

[burns863]

Quote: Originally Posted by radfordmini (original)

Hey Burns. Did you get your car fixed? What was wrong and how much did cost to rectify? My powersteering has just died! Any assistance much appreciated.
R

Im currently in spain on business and not had chance to get it looked at yet. Although I am unsure on whether to even bother.

My predicament is it has only done this a few times now and I am hoping that its nothing major and it will fix itself Although I know this is quite an optimistic approach and it is likely I am gonahave to go through the hassle (and wallet ache) of getting the issue sorted at some point

Sorry I couldnt have been of more help R. If you get yours looked at/fixed however please post up or PM me and let me know

Dan

[radfordmini]

Hey Dan. Thanks for your reply-lucky you in Spain! Looks like i'l be paying a visit to my local MINI dealership to see what the damage is.

My previous MCS had a similar problem to yours where the powersteering would loose power occasionally and that was a result of a powersteering fluid leak. They had to replace the pump and steering rack which resulted in a bill of nearly £2k. My car was out of warranty but having covered only 20,000 miles, I called up MINI UK and they fixed it as a "gesture of good will!" I hope this isn't the case again-i still have power steering fluid, just no sounds of life from the pump!

I shall let you know asap. Wish me luck!

R

[radfordmini]

Finally got my MCS to the dealer-who wants £500 to fix a new powersteering pump! I told them not to repair it as I am not going to pay for it! They are going to talk to MINI UK and see what contribution they are going to make towards the cost. Thats the 2nd time I've had a near death experience in my MCS due to powersteering failure! I can't wait to hear what MINI UK have to say because this time I am going to give them a real hard time-i'm thinking of making my TV debut on Watchdog!

Driving around London in my classic mini all this week which seems to be more reliable than my MCS!

Will let you know what happens...R

[burns863]

Cheers radford good luck!

[radfordmini]

It's official-I'm £440 poorer! Just had my pump replaced-with no goodwill gesture from the tight gits at MINI UK...guess i was asking for too much since my MCS warranty ran out over a year ago. The pumps guaranteed for 2 whole years!

Well the classics back in the garage (it saw rain for the first time in over a year-hope the dreaded tin worm doesn't attack) and what a joyful drive I had bck home listening to that familiar whine of the supercharger...R

[burns863]

Quote: Originally Posted by radfordmini (original)

It's official-I'm £440 poorer! Just had my pump replaced-with no goodwill gesture from the tight gits at MINI UK...guess i was asking for too much since my MCS warranty ran out over a year ago. The pumps guaranteed for 2 whole years!

Well the classics back in the garage (it saw rain for the first time in over a year-hope the dreaded tin worm doesn't attack) and what a joyful drive I had bck home listening to that familiar whine of the supercharger...R

OOh 440? Thats harsh I am looking into getting mine sorted now, but elsewhere than the stealers. Im not prepared to pay their labour charges!

[JCW225]

We have our Mini Booked in to Main Dealer next week and after a call to BMW they are paying for the problem as a Gesture of Goodwill.
Anyone with this problem should give BMW Customer Services a ring as this problem is very serious under high speed.

Hope this helps ?

[I love MINI, Laura]

My mother board of my Motor assisted Steering was working intermitantly supposedly (luckly only failed when I was parked) then it failed completely (after it had been in the MINI garage all day and they said its 100% fine) and they replaced it under warrenty the next day.

Good luck with it. Hope it doesn't give up on you in a scary moment.

[burns863]

Quote: Originally Posted by JCW225 (original)

We have our Mini Booked in to Main Dealer next week and after a call to BMW they are paying for the problem as a Gesture of Goodwill.
Anyone with this problem should give BMW Customer Services a ring as this problem is very serious under high speed.

Hope this helps ?

Thanks for that, and yes it does help I will give them a ring myself. I have been thinking abou buying a recycled pump from 1320autos.com for £50 plus VAT but if i could get this sorted for free then that would be great! PM sent...

Quote: Originally Posted by I love MINI, Laura (original)

My mother board of my Motor assisted Steering was working intermitantly supposedly (luckly only failed when I was parked) then it failed completely (after it had been in the MINI garage all day and they said its 100% fine) and they replaced it under warrenty the next day.

Good luck with it. Hope it doesn't give up on you in a scary moment.

Thanks Laure, sadly though I am out of warranty

[Parc77]

ouch £440! got mine replaced a few days before the warranty ran out, it kept packing in intermitantly and although it was fine when I took it to the garage they replaced it free of charge.
Best of luck on getting it fixed, I also avoid the dealers for things like this due to the ott labour charge.