BMW MINI - Power Steering Pump - Danger?

britannysmoosh

did you have the pump replaced? Was it not working 100%?

I find it almost impossible to turn the steering wheel.
It feels as though you have the ignition in position 1, without the engine running and the steering lock undone. It's that hard.

Last time it happened it took two blokes to get the car off the drive! One at the steering wheel itself and the other pushing and pulling at the road wheels to make them turn.

I am really worried about this mini cooper power steering pump problem.

liam8282

NoSatisfaction wrote: »

BMW has no contract with you if you didn't buy the car from them.

If the car is over 6 years old there is no comeback at all on BMW.

Mileage is not relevant because it may have been 100,000 miles on good straight roads or 20,000 miles on horribly potholed twisty back streets. Parts wear out.

I was always taught to hold the steering wheel tightly because power steering can fail. The car is still drivable without power steering, it is just a luxury to make life easier for drivers and any accidents as a result of power steering failure are likely to be the fault of the driver not being in control of the vechicle!

Have a go at driving old front wheel drive iron engined diesels without power steering to get some practice!

Power steering vs manual steering are two completely different systems and cannot be compared like this.

Having no power in power steering, does not make it manual steering. It makes it broken power steering. You may still be able to turn, but with great difficulty, nothing like manual steering.

liam8282

Why are there so many 1st time posts on this thread?

eltonhurst

Just had to fork out to get my power steering pump replaced (£400 at local garage where mechanic was ex-BMW and has seen HUNDREDS of the same problem) as it completely went one day whilst going round a round about - scariest thing!! Nearly had a collision with another car and then had to try get get it home on the m1. It's SO dangerous it's untrue, cannot believe Mini have gotten away with this major fault. Am in talks with their customer service at the moment via facebook - waiting to hear what they say, but am guessing they'll say the same 'over 6 years old, no warranty e.t.c.' - if you start to feel your steering go - get it changed pronto as one day it'll completely go when you least expect it. My faith in MINI has been completely tarnished.

minimad1970

eltonhurst wrote: »

Just had to fork out to get my power steering pump replaced (£400 at local garage where mechanic was ex-BMW and has seen HUNDREDS of the same problem) as it completely went one day whilst going round a round about - scariest thing!! Nearly had a collision with another car and then had to try get get it home on the m1. It's SO dangerous it's untrue, cannot believe Mini have gotten away with this major fault. Am in talks with their customer service at the moment via facebook - waiting to hear what they say, but am guessing they'll say the same 'over 6 years old, no warranty e.t.c.' - if you start to feel your steering go - get it changed pronto as one day it'll completely go when you least expect it. My faith in MINI has been completely tarnished.

I had this problem a couple of months ago. My car is a Mini One 2003 plate, 65,000 miles and no FSH. Thanks to the advice I found on Mini2 forum I took it to a local dealership who didn't even bother with the diagnostic test as the noise it was making was proof enough. They contacted Mini Uk who then paid 100% of parts and labour. The lady at the dealership said this was the outcome for other cars as well despite age of vehicle etc.

Rodmunch80

Hi,

I have just experienced exactly the same thing with my MINI ONE 05 plate.

I purchased this from an independent dealer who speacialises in MINIs in September last year.

Yesterday, as I was also trying to negotiate a roundabout, the power steering failed and scared the life out of me.

I have now been quoted £400 from the dealer, who knew what it was straight away and said that they have another one in for repair on Monday! Unfortunately, I am around 7 weeks out of warranty.

I feel as though this is a little bit of sharp practice seeing as it's such a common and dangerous fault. Would anyone know if I had a leg to stand on and if I should approach MINI directly?

Thanks

MaFt

liam8282 wrote: »

Why are there so many 1st time posts on this thread?

Probably because a lot of people have this problem and it comes up high in Google searches.

What's wrong with first-time posters anyway? Everyone has to start somewhere, right?

MaFt

MaFt

Been on phone to Mini UK (0800 0836 464) who said "as it is a widely publicised issue we will make a contribution towards the cost of repair" she also said that quite often the full amount is paid.

However, it needs to go to a dealer for an 'official' diagnosis, my local one wants £90 per hour!

So that's nearly £100 to see if Mini will replace their faulty part free of charge or offer a 'reduction' i.e. I pay £400... OR I can get it refurbished for £200... Do I risk it?!

Wife really struggled to get home when it went and was visibly shaken up when she got home with our 2 young kids - I took it for a dive last night and even I struggled so she must have got back by sheer grit and determination!

MaFt

SLB001

My Cooper is currently at the Mini Dealership with PS failure. I have been quoted £900 for a replacement pump and pressure pipe. I have asked the Service Manager to represent me to MINI UK and request a goodwill payment. It sticks in my throat knowing that this is a known problem on models manufactured between 01-06 and I have never been informed of it! The steering is so hard it is impossible for me to drive it and it scares me that it could cause a serious accident if you are not expecting the steering to suddenly go or kick back in if it has already gone!

I bought my Cooper from the same dealership 3 years ago and do a very low mileage in it, i.e the Tesco a couple of times a week (altho it did have 42K on the clock when I bought it). I have FSH and a TLC pack. I am also sent 'VIP Invitations to MINI events'. Come on MINI, am I only a VIP when you want me to purchase a new car??

I am praying that MINI come back with some good news, if not they will ruin my love affair with the MINI Brand.....

SLB001

MaFt wrote: »

Been on phone to Mini UK (0800 0836 464) who said "as it is a widely publicised issue we will make a contribution towards the cost of repair" she also said that quite often the full amount is paid.

However, it needs to go to a dealer for an 'official' diagnosis, my local one wants £90 per hour!

So that's nearly £100 to see if Mini will replace their faulty part free of charge or offer a 'reduction' i.e. I pay £400... OR I can get it refurbished for £200... Do I risk it?!

Wife really struggled to get home when it went and was visibly shaken up when she got home with our 2 young kids - I took it for a dive last night and even I struggled so she must have got back by sheer grit and determination!

MaFt

Hi MaFt,

Do you mind me asking your cars age and mileage?