Turns out this is a common problem. Replaced the pump. Used DIY instructions from Pelican Parts http://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...47-SUSPEN-Power_Steering_Pump_Replacement.htm and http://www.billswebspace.com/MiniR53PSPFanDuctDIY.htm Bought a rebuilt pump from BuyAutoParts off of eBay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/290662049259?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 The part looked brand new. They even supplied a shipping tag to return the core. The constant running also killed my 4 year old battery. I also read there is a chance of fire from the bad pump overheating. Nice.
Hope you replaced the power steering fan as well thats what causes the pump to overheat and keep on running on. That is quite a common problem for the older MINI's. Glad to hear you did it yourself not really that bad of a job to do.
Probably would take me a lot less time if I had to do it again. Hopefully I won't. I didn't replace the fan although I did spin it and felt no binding. I'll consider changing it the next time I need to put it up on jack stands. Next project will be brake pads and rotors.
BUMP. The other day leaving a parking space I had no power steering at all. After a few miles the steering was fine. ?????? Checked the fluid level. A little low. Added fluid. So far so good but it's worrisome. Unexpected loose of steering will be scary. These cars are known for high failures of the electric power steering pump. Still waiting for Mini to reimburse me for the last pump I replaced. Damn. I still haven't replaced the rotors and pads.
Again we had no power steering while pulling out of the garage. Despite fluid level at the min level, no power assist. I know there is a small leak which will get addressed soon. According to Bentley there are two modes, active and inactive. Has something to do with voltage and rpms. I've always been able to turn the wheel at idle. Before doing anything else I pull the car out again and I have steering. ??? Since it's a closed system, could air have anything to do with it? I'm leaning more to an electrical problem. Being so intermittent makes it difficult. I know if I bring the car to the dealer the first think they will do is replace the pump. I think it's a factory recall now but I changed it myself last year so that will probably void everything.
Not true there is a warranty on the pumps for 10 year 130,000 miles. Also if you buy a BMW/ MINI part from a dealer there is a 2 year unlimited warranty on that part regardless of who puts it in. I would take the car for a dealer visit steven, to me it sounds like a pump issue but could also be the fan not cooling the pump and causing pump failure this is also covered on the extended warranty.
I didn't buy the pump from a BMW dealer. Could be another pump. Could be electrical. Having something this intermittent is difficult and costly to just guess.
Looks like I need another pump. I did not head the advice and replace the fan while I had the opportunity. The pump has been intermittent but now totally dead. Crawled under the car and the fan isn't running which may have killed the replacement pump. Now what to do? I already replaced the pump myself. It was fine for 1 1/2 years until the fan gave out. Bring it to the dealer and have it replaced under the extended warranty? I'm assuming the pump was an OE pump I purchased. I recall a BMW part number on it. They can deny warranty since I had worked on it but don't want them to deny the warranty after the fact. If it's denied I just assume replace the pump myself along with a new fan.
