Just recently I had a fire under the hood, it originated at the power steering pump.I had a lot of smoke from under the hood when I looked for where it was coming from it progressed it to flames.I put out the fire numerous times as I tried to figure out where it was coming from.Disconnecting the neg side of the battery stopped the short and latter when we put it up on the hoist and tor in to it the the power steering pump and its wiring harness was fried.I have since learned by one source that there is possibly a problem with the routing and chaffing of the harness witch could cause a short and possible fire at that point.In my case I got the fireside,luckily was on it quickly and stayed isolated to the power steering components. If this happens to you a fire extinguisher and disconnecting the neg side of the battery quickly, good luck.
My first Mini had three steering column change outs, I always felt that the steering was not quite right, very vague in response. after the third change out I was on my way to Aberdeen when the car decided to pirouette down the road and ending up on it's roof. Thank goodness this did not put me off buying another Mini. It was a right off and I should have had an engineers report done, but when my insurance company offered me £100 more than I payed for the car new 18 months previous my thoughts went straight back to a Mini dealership.
My second Mini is far from trouble free but no problems with the steering.
I recently had my pump (replaced once) start acting up- would get hard to turn and then loosen back up. I found the power steering cooling fan was froze up. MINI wanted $165.00 for a new one. I got one from the supplier of the fans SPAL for $65.00. Although it's not the same part number (andf they won't sell you the one that's supplied to MINI), it's the same size and seems to be working fine. Power steering straightened back out after that.
I'm eventually adding an Perma-Cool #1007 power steering cooler coil into the lines, instead of relying on that fan.
Thx for your input, the problem escalated last week: I noticed smoke emiting from under the bonnet last week while stopping at a traffic light junction. The steering went dead after that. Upon checking, it's discovered that the electrical connection to the power steering pump was fried. Here's the pic.
Went into the garage where Sparky was parked (no key in the ignition.)
The Garage was FULL of smoke. Had the car towed (it took MINI Roadside 18 hours to get it to a dealer!!!).
The power steering pump went into meltdown mode. The wiring harness is fried.
The dealer expected parts in a week!!!!! (What is up with the poor service?)
He says he has never seen a PS pump go bad before. Only fans.
Sounds like your problem is that same as mine. New PS pump (week to get part).
Had to dismantle motor including removing supercharger to replace wiring harness.
No 'failure', but have had a replacement steering column on my '04 54 MC as it got difficult to move and made clonking noises at parking speeds. Done under warranty at 8000 miles, been fine since (now on 17500).
I voted 'no steering pump failure/replacement' in the poll...
My power steering has failed twice on my 53 S. Both times the seals failed and the rack boots filled up with fluid.
1st failure at 12000 miles
2nd failure last week at 14000 miles
Both times new rack fitted but not the pump, I am now concerned that the pump will fail soon due to pumping air.
Also new steering coloumn fitted at 10000 miles due to roughness.
I voted Yes to one rack replaced, now need to change it to 2 racks!!
However the service from my dealer has been superb, take the car in in the morning and get it back in the evening.
On holiday in Wales last weekend, switched off engine while waiting to pick friends up, switched it on again...no power steering. Luckily I have been doing weights recently so managed to get it back to the holiday cottage.
Service from MINI assistance was excellent e.g they promised to call me back in ten minutes, they called me back in 11 and apologised for calling back late...MINI was towed back to London, a hire car arrived (Mondeo but my rear passengers were well pleased!)
MINI has had a new steering rack and power steering pump. It's June 04 build, done 30,000 miles.
LinkBack to this Thread: http://www.mini2.com/forum/first-generation-faults-fixes/49527-important-have-you-had-power-steering-pump-failure-please-vote-yes-no.html
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
but my rear passengers were well pleased!)
