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I just lost the power steering on my 2003 mini cooper ...

Sent to BMW Experts May 2 2008 at 6:17 PM
   

I just lost the power steering on my 2003 mini cooper s, 6 speed manual trans. What can I check to see what is wrong. Thanks, Terry

 

Optional Information:
2003 BMW Mini Cooper 163 HP

Already Tried:
nothing

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value:  $15
Answer
May 2 2008 at 6:20 PM (2 minutes and 53 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

Hi, welcome to Just Answer.

Check to be sure the drive belt is still on there, but typically these have issues with the powersteering pumps. You would need to take a fluid pressure test to further verify this, however, you can use a turkey baster to remove most of the fluid out of the pump. When the fluid is low the pump should make a girgling sound, indicating it is trying to pump fluid. If no sound is heard, the pump is not pumping. Also, if the fluid is low, add some and see if the power steering comes back in, if so, then the problem is due to a leak, possibly behind the pump or the high pressure hose.



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RIP -- Lead Technician -- 97% Positive Feedback on 252 BMW Accepts
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Reply
May 2 2008 at 6:23 PM (3 minutes and 33 seconds later)
         
I cant see the power steering pump or the reservoir. There is nothing leaking under the car
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
May 2 2008 at 6:28 PM (4 minutes and 21 seconds later)
         

The resevoir looks like the one below, the pump is run by the drive belt and is mounted to the front of the engine.


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Please click on "ACCEPT" if I was helpful-or if you still need assistance just reply, before leaving any feedback thanks
Picture
RIP -- Lead Technician -- 97% Positive Feedback on 252 BMW Accepts
BMW Factory Training, ASE Master Techinician, Advanced engine performance.
Reply
May 2 2008 at 6:39 PM (10 minutes and 56 seconds later)
         
Is it accesable from under the hood? I can not see the reservoir or pump from under the hood. There is nothing that looks like the picture you sent, also it is very cramped in the front of the engine. I used a flashlight to try to trace the belt but could not find anything that looked anything like the picture.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
May 2 2008 at 7:02 PM (23 minutes and 3 seconds later)
         

Yes, both components are under the hood.The resevoir is not attatched to the pump, it is mounted to the side and on top of the enigne. The pump may be difficult to see, but the pulley is the most noticable part under the belt. Below is another pic to better help you.


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Please click on "ACCEPT" if I was helpful-or if you still need assistance just reply, before leaving any feedback thanks
Picture
RIP -- Lead Technician -- 97% Positive Feedback on 252 BMW Accepts
BMW Factory Training, ASE Master Techinician, Advanced engine performance.
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