Another power steering problem!

[starky5]

Hi,

I've been reading through some posts and I'm almost certain i already know the answer but to avoid buy expensive parts I don't need ill ask anyway!

My girlfriends mum has a 2005 Mini One and a few weeks ago the power steering pump began to run non stop even with the key out, so after reading through posts on here and seeing this is cause by a faulty pump I picked up a second hand pump and fitted it which solved the problem.

Now only a few weeks later and after very little use the same problem has returned, the pump just never turns off! Now the second hand pump was from a 2004 car so I accept this could just be bad luck and I shouldn't have been so tight last time round but before I spend more money on a refurbished unit I wanted to make sure that there was nothing else at all that might cause this problem!

Thanks for any help

[mab01uk]

Bad luck! It does sound like your ps pump has failed again as I believe all the control circuits are within the pump itself......did it come with any used guarantees? The pumps are rarely worth fitting secondhand unless you can be sure it is very low mileage or recently reconditioned. Most new or recon pumps come with a 2 year guarantee.

The electronic control circuit components inside the pump have probably failed due to heat or a build up of conductive graphite dust inside from the motor brushes. They sometimes work again if you strip the pump and clean out inside using the various guides posted on the Mini forums (see below)......however this is not always a total fix and you may have to repeat the job if you do try this.
Power Steering Pump replacement - Forums

Don't allow the pump to run flat out non stop for any length of time as they can badly overheat, causing very hot power steering fluid to damage the steering rack internal rubber seals.