Help! Car won't turn! Safe to drive

[Miniweee]

Pulled out of a gas station and couldn't turn the wheels without some muscle! I made it home but am afraid to drive it-my father said I could burn the engine out? You guys always give me great advice on here please help me. Is it power steering? Is it dangerous to drive 5-6 miles to a mechanic? I didn't hear a snap or anything and am unsure of where the belt is or the pump.

Thanks!

Sherry

[rellik666]

it is possible to drive the car, but it your power steering pump has gone by the sounds of it.

I would refrain from driving it if possible, but have you turned the car on again? You may find that it is an intermitten fault and it may work again, but it will need replacing.

[Richard Crofts]

power steering pump has stopped working. common fault on the older MINI. Depending on milage BMW often offered to halve the costs...eg they pay for part you pay for labour if the car was low milage. Not always but has happened.

YOu can drive the car but its very difficult. The faster the tyres rotate the easier it is to turn but even then its major muscle time and if its stopped or low speed it is almost impossible unless your reasonably strong.

Should not burn the engine out or anything...its an electrical part with its own fluid. However some failures are caused by shorts and the heat from the faulty pump has been known to melt wires and start fires in rare instances.

R