[MattyB801]

Hi all,

We have a 2002 Mini cooper. Ever since we bought it, the power steering has always provided the usual "whine" when in use. No problem, in fact it sounds good!

However, in the last couple of days, we have noticed an increase in noise. By that i mean a whine ALL OF THE TIME, not just when turning the wheels? Actually its more of a drone, and you can even here it from inside when going along in a straight line?

Do you think power steering fluid renewal will sort this? or is it new pump time? (i didnt think the power steering pump failure affected the non S coopers?

cheers

Matt

[oldnell]

Hi there

The PSP issue affects all first generation Minis. The difference between the Cooper and One and the Cooper S is that the Cooper S has a fan on the power steering pump.

Some people on here have heard the whine get louder before their pump fails. Mine didn't do this -- it just failed with absolutely no warning at all.

I don't know if it's possible to take the pump off and clean it of carbon (the buildup of which I have read is the cause of the failure) in order to "save" the existing pump.

One thing to be aware of is that when the pump shorts out it can sometimes take the wiring loom with it, so it might be worth being proactive about this.

What's the mileage on your car, out of interest?

Oli

[MattyB801]

Milage is 42500.

It really sounds like a little fan is on all the time!! Do the regular coopers fitted with 17" S-Spokes from the factory not have the fan??

I'm thinking about a fluid flush to start, then a new pump otherwise? Thing is, we're just about to sell the car, and dont want to spend silly money on it before we do so!!

Matt

[oldnell]

The easiest way to find out if it's got the fan is to take a look.

On the following diagram, you're looking for the fan clamped to the front of the power steering pump. The PSP is almost directly in line with the front axle and at the centre of the car. If the fan is there, you should be able to see it. If not, you'll see the two screwholes and a mounting bracket where it would have been.

RealOEM.COM BMW R53 Cooper S POWER STEERING PUMP

If you're planning on selling it, that puts a different perspective on things. PSPs are not cheap.

Cheers

Oli

[MattyB801]

Thanks very much for the reply and link - that was very helpful! I'll try and get under to have a look at the pump.

So, is the pump easily accessible/changed with the car up on axle stands or is it a ramp only jobbie? Will a pump from any 2001-2006 car fit?

cheers!

Matt

[oldnell]

I don't know if it's doable with axle stands, as I just paid my dealer to fix the problem. Someone on Mini2 reported that they'd changed their own, but didn't give any further information.

I'm not sure about different pumps. If you had a bit of time, you could look on the RealOEM site and go through a bunch of different dates and see if the part numbers match. I looked quickly and saw a few part numbers, some with "RMFD" in front of them. I wonder if that means "remanufactured".

Oli

[MattyB801]

Thanks for your help. I think most pumps should fit most other mini's upto 2003 use the same pump. Gonna have to try a new pump :s (really cant be bothered with this car anymore)

[oldnell]

I felt that way for a while, after spending out on a new radiator and a new power steering pump.

Right now, though, I love it. I don't like the new model, so I'm going to carry on loving and looking after my current one and get every last mile I can out of it.

Oli

[MattyB801]

Cool. Its just that its been a new radiator, 2 new front tyres (140 each), airbag light and now the power steering. Never known a 5 year old car like it!! Time to go jap i think....

[mab01uk]

This is a common MINI problem. The electric pump is pretty unique to the MINI and gives it that distinctive whine under load. Most other small cars like the latest generation MINI use full electric power steering with no mechanical pump or fluid reservoir and in older type conventional power steering systems the pump is only driven mechanically by a drive belt off the engine. (No longer used much on small cars as it uses up space and saps engine power especially when combined with air con.)
BMW seem to charge about £500 to replace, the pump itself is about £140-200 but I have heard people pay up to £1200 if the steering rack is also leaking and replaced but this is more unusual. Here is a photo of the pump (which sits low down behind the engine) for your interest from BBA-Reman:- PS Pump

For a confident DIY mechanic it is not that difficult to swap and can be done from below on axle stands with standard tools. Disconnect battery. If you have an "S" there is a cooling fan/bracket to remove from the subframe followed by the pump itself,(1 nut, 2 bolts, electrical connection, fluid pipe). Renew the O ring on the high pressure outlet if fitted. Bleeding is straight forward like any other cars power steering. Pour in the fluid slowly to prevent air bubbles up to max. mark. Start engine park with front wheels on 2 glossy magazines (yes really they act as turn tables!) and turn steering slowly from lock to lock. (Don't hold full lock for more than 5 secs or you can damage pump). Stop engine & check level & for leaks, repeat the above several times to purge air, if any air remains causing noise leave overnight & repeat next day. Photos and detailed procedure is in the Mini Haynes Manual on page 10.4 and has been detailed in Modern MINI magazine a few months back and by some MINI2 forum members.
Seems like your MINI does not want you to sell it !

[oldnell]

Quote: Originally Posted by MattyB801 (original)

Cool. Its just that its been a new radiator, 2 new front tyres (140 each), airbag light and now the power steering. Never known a 5 year old car like it!! Time to go jap i think....

Going Jap was my thought when I wanted to replace mine. I'm not sure you can criticise a car for needing new front tyres, though.

Good luck with whichever route you decide.

Oli

[MattyB801]

Thanks for your help on that Mab - i had a look under the car earlier - looks nice and easy to drop out. Its a regular cooper so no fan in there. I reckon i could have that done in a couple of hours, bled up etc. Its just a case of trying to get hold of a second hand pump now!!

Oli - Needing front tyres isnt the issue, its the fact that they are so damn expensive!!! And its not actually like they are any good. 17" Runflats are noisey, harsh and our new Dunlops dont grip massively well either! lol

The mini is my missus' car...and sellin up to go jap will not only free up some money for us, but be better on fuel and hopefully more reliable! lol Thanks for your help too!

Matt

[lovedatcar]

My mini's (2005 S convertible) steering slogged down today. I pulled over, turned off the engine and started it again. Tthe steering was fine for a few minutes and a few in-town turns, but then slogged down again. I struggled to get her home and parked in the garage. Our closest dealer / /mechanic is a 2 hours drive. I checked the fluid and there is some in the resevoir. I think I can handle it during the drive to the dealer, but don't want to cause further damage. Any advice will be appreciated.

[helicopter pat]

Try Matt at MiniMatt - Mini Matt - BMW Mini - BMW Mini Modifications - BMW Mini Parts and Spares - BMW Mini Repairs. The price is £85 on his website. Nice bloke to do business with.
Pat