Power Steering and MINI Roadside - MINI Cooper Forum

stanMINI · #1 (**permalink**) Sep 9th, 2002, 09:37 AM

I had to send my MINI in for repairs. I am having a strange problem with the power steering. It only operates intermittently. It seems that after I drive for 10-15 minutes it goes away. I understand the car has a speed based steering assist. That is, the faster you go the less it assists. Does anyone know how this works?

My dealer is 200 miles away. When I contacted them about the problem they suggested I call MINI Roadside Assistance. They said they would pick the car up, which they did, but said it was between me and the dealer to get the car back. Has anyone had a similar experience and did the dealer assist in reuniting you with your car? I could have driven the car up there, but would have had to take days off of work and they said they would probably have to order parts.

lightbody · #2 (**permalink**) Sep 9th, 2002, 10:30 AM

I wonder if this is a fault with the power steering cooling fan? There is another thread for this - apparently a small plastic fan, which is fairly vulnerable, directs air at the steering pump to keep it cool. It could be that yours isn't working, the pump overheats and then cuts out?

Just a thought...

Fan can apparently be seen at the base of the engine bay towards the rear when looking from underneath...

HarryHBMCC · #3 (**permalink**) Sep 9th, 2002, 10:51 AM

At a meet yesterday we were discussing the power steering fan and winter driving. Anyone know if we're going to need a skidplate installed this winter along with snow tires?

Harry

stanMINI · #4 (**permalink**) Sep 11th, 2002, 09:23 AM

Dealer says this is a bad power steering pump. Let's hope they are correct and it is really fixed when I pick it up. Since my dealer is 200 miles away I don't want them to be guessing.

MINI Division · #5 (**permalink**) Sep 18th, 2002, 08:07 AM

I’m with MINI Division. I’m sorry to read about your problem with your power steering. It sounds like your dealer is right on top of this problem, but if you need our help, please give us a call at (866) ASK MINI.

stanMINI · #6 (**permalink**) Sep 18th, 2002, 08:37 AM

It turns out it was the power steering pump. The dealer replaced it and I haven't had any recurrence of the problem.

NYCguy · #7 (**permalink**) Sep 19th, 2002, 10:51 AM

Dear MINI division,

Could you please take a look at this thread about the Power Steering Cooling Fan (http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...threadid=14375) and give us any kind of assistance in resolving this issue?

Thank you.