Power steering pump failure on 2003 Cooper
Discussion
Hi,
I have a 2003 Cooper. Yesterday, when I got back from the shops, I noticed a whining sound from the engine bay, near the Power Steering pump. A few hours later, the battery had been completely drained. Found this to be a very common problem with this gen minis. I have been quoted over £600 for the replacement and labour. Considering that I paid just over £2k for the car nearly 6 months ago, I am not sure whether I should get it fixed or scrap it. Have already spent £400 on the air conditioning, locks and coolant leak.
I was only planning to keep it for a year, so if i get the pump replaced and sell it, I doubt I would get more than £1400. The scrap value is about £300.
thoughts and suggestions appreciated.
Thanks.
I have a 2003 Cooper. Yesterday, when I got back from the shops, I noticed a whining sound from the engine bay, near the Power Steering pump. A few hours later, the battery had been completely drained. Found this to be a very common problem with this gen minis. I have been quoted over £600 for the replacement and labour. Considering that I paid just over £2k for the car nearly 6 months ago, I am not sure whether I should get it fixed or scrap it. Have already spent £400 on the air conditioning, locks and coolant leak.
I was only planning to keep it for a year, so if i get the pump replaced and sell it, I doubt I would get more than £1400. The scrap value is about £300.
thoughts and suggestions appreciated.
Thanks.
I possibly have the same problem as you, can you tell me if your battery light on the dash flickers? Does the power steering still work?
My cars pump has always been noisy but loads are apparently, however I had rapid over night battery drain but recharged it and it was fine for 3 weeks, my power steering works but I now have fluctuating voltage and a flickering battery light. Local garage says its not the power steering pump but can't tell me what it is, battery and alternator have been replaced (google suggests it maybe power steering pump) but I don't want to buy one if not and they are right, I found several providers of remanufactured ones for £150 - £250 BBA, eBay etc fitting doesn't look £300 hard, couple of hours at most.
My cars pump has always been noisy but loads are apparently, however I had rapid over night battery drain but recharged it and it was fine for 3 weeks, my power steering works but I now have fluctuating voltage and a flickering battery light. Local garage says its not the power steering pump but can't tell me what it is, battery and alternator have been replaced (google suggests it maybe power steering pump) but I don't want to buy one if not and they are right, I found several providers of remanufactured ones for £150 - £250 BBA, eBay etc fitting doesn't look £300 hard, couple of hours at most.
Get one from ECU testing Ltd @£159 exchange on eBay. Great service, lifetime guarantee (while you own the car) and free postage to return your old one. I paid c£90 to fit it rather than get my hands dirty
I had the 'trio' of faults on the early R50. Window regulator, PAS pump and finally the Midland gearbox gave up which was the final straw.
If you're on a Midland gearbox it's a timebomb and will fail usually without symptoms first!
I had the 'trio' of faults on the early R50. Window regulator, PAS pump and finally the Midland gearbox gave up which was the final straw.
If you're on a Midland gearbox it's a timebomb and will fail usually without symptoms first!
Could it be the power steering fan that is draining your battery. These sometimes have a habit of shorting and continue to run after the ignition is turned off, draining the battery.
If it is, I think you can get a replacement fan for £30-£40 and the installation is two nuts and the connector.
If it is, I think you can get a replacement fan for £30-£40 and the installation is two nuts and the connector.
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