Power Steering - GONE!
 

Hi Folks,

I'm relatively new to the Mini scene and haven't really had to do much work on the used 05 Cooper S I bought a few months back. But it appears (from my reading) the power steering pump has given up the ghost.

I haven't gone through any troubleshooting, but is it possible this could just be a fuse issue? Or is it more likely (as this appears to be common) that the pump just simply died?

Also, how do I go about sourcing one? Sure, I can go through the local dealership and pay the $670 or so price. Obviously it comes at a ridiculous markup as I can find these all over the web for around $460. But odd thing is (and I never encountered this with all the Toyotas I have ever worked on) I can't get the parts department to give me a P/N. Is this standard procedure? So basically, are these pumps relatively generic or do I really need to find one that's going to be specific to a "2005" mini S?

Thanks much ahead of time for any feedback! It's a bear driving this car without power steering...

-Chris

RE: Power Steering - GONE!
 

Check the WIRING harness feeding the pump ... I've seen several that the harness pins were so corroded they wont pass current ...

RE: Power Steering - GONE!
 

Okay, I'll have a look at that first. Curious (just so I know what I'm getting into ahead of time) does the pump need to be dropped in order to get a good look at the electrical connects?

Thank for the feedback!

-Chris

RE: Power Steering - GONE!
 

I know you already check this, but it is possible that you might have not checked the fluid level in the reservoir for power steering fluid.

RE: Power Steering - GONE!
 

If you indeed need a new pump, then this company can rebuild the pump for allot cheaper
[/align]
[/align]BBA Remanufacturing, Inc.
300 Myles Standish Blvd.
Taunton, MA 02780

Toll Free: (866) 573-2740

This company will repair the pump for $200......with a warranty for as long as you own the car!
[/align]They have a 3 day max turn around on the rebuild.

RE: Power Steering - GONE!
 

Yep, fluid level is fine.

Also, having given it some thought about the wiring...I would have assumed that (if it was a corroded connection) that I would have noticed some intermittent problems before hand (i.e. loss of power during a hard corner or bumpy road conditions). But it was running perfectly...just all of the sudden...nothing.

RE: Power Steering - GONE!
 

Thanks for the information. I'll be giving them a call tomorrow.

-C