Before buying a car, a major factor drivers consider before choosing a brand is your comfort, which is something the manufacturers of Mini Coopers put in mind in the production stage. Efficiency, premium interior designs, low center of gravity, fuel efficiency, and efficient engines are other selling points of the Mini Cooper. Unfortunately, these pleasurable cars are also known for a notorious power steering pump problem.
When the power steering pump of the Mini Cooper stops, it does not only impede the steering function, it exposes the driver to the risk of accidents. This should be avoided by all means. Driving a sensitive car like the Mini cooper means knowing when your power steering has begun failing, and knowing the proper action to take to ensure a safe driving experience.
Cues to Get you Mini Checked for Power Steering Pump for Failure
The process to total failure of the power steering pump is gradual. If you encounter any of the following signs, you might want to take your car down to a trusted auto shop as soon as possible.
- Strange engine noise: A strange noise from any part of your car is a call for distress. When a squealing or whining comes from the engine bay, it means that the fluid level in the power steering is low, and its functionality is being compromised. If the sound graduates to grinding, your steering has probably started failing.
- Difficulty steering your Mini: A sign you are dealing with a faulty power steering is a heavy steering wheel and stiff wheels. Infact, your steering wheel might lock up totally sometimes, and you experience slow response time.
- Low power steering fluids: there’s a call for action on your power steering pump when the fluid level is low, but there are no visible leaks in the system. This could be internal and could leave you stranded quick.
The Mini Power Steering Pump Enemies
Mini power steering pumps and the entire system is hydraulic. Steering works with the aid of fluid pumped through the system when the engine is turned on. The pump failure, however, can be caused by various factors. Some are;
- Contaminated steering fluids: the Mini power steering pump relies on fluids for proper functioning. When these fluids are contaminated, the friction in the system increases and failure of every component of the pump.
- Imbalanced Fluid level: Mini Power steering pump needs regulated amount of fluid to guarantee smooth driving experience. Excess fluids leads to valves and seals collapsing under pressure. Low fluid, on the other hand, stops the steering wheel ability to exert force needed to turn the car.
- Driving on rough terrains and road: driving on too many rough roads, bumps, consistent jolts and harsh driving conditions makes the steering pump wear out quicker than it was intended by the manufacturers.
- Broken Steering Belts: Over months of usage, steering belts become stretched, frayed and corroded. As an integral part of the power steering, when this happens, the Mini steering pump stops functioning.
- Malfunctioned steering rack and hose: Faulty steering rack and hose, caused by wear, a leak in the rack, and loose clamps and cracks in the hose leads to steering pump failure.
- Damaged electrical control system: the Mini Coopers are widely characterized by their faulty electrical stability control system. When this is defective, the passage of current from the battery to the steering pump is hindered, leading to power steering failure.
- Improper installation: not all Auto mechanics have an in-depth knowledge of servicing a Mini. A Mini power steering could fail as a result of installation error and improper pump placement during servicing.
Visit Our Factory-Approved Auto Shop For Your Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper is a sporty car, and the 
extent to which you enjoy it is dependent on the maintenance and repair it receives. Using unapproved tools on the Mini Cooper while on the quest of repair would even wreck more havoc than good to the car. Which is why you should repair your Minis at an Auto shop that follows the car maintenance program without any alterations.
With enough years of experience, Motor Car International uses the latest factory-grade equipment to ensure that your Mini Coopers are taken care of. Located in Bridgewater, MA, we serve drivers in surrounding areas like Sharon, Raynham, Norton, and Easton. We also offer pick up and drop off services, towing, detailing and free loaner cars for longer repairs. Call us today!