Power Steering Pump Problem?

[ripthejacker]

Hey folks. Im just on the internet reading on different things mini related etc, and im wondering if its possible that my power steering pump has failed?

I cant say ive noticed the whining from when turning (will check it out more tomorrow) and the steering is heavy but im not sure if it being a Cooper S it is faily heavy. I mean I can drive and use one hand still but what im wanting to know is would I defiantly know if my pump had failed? :confused:

[ripthejacker]

Sorry guys. Ive only just learned to use the search function. :frown:

[ianking]

If the pump had gone you would toil to get it round the corner.
When it is starting to go though the noise is a bit louder although they are noisy anyway and in general the steering starts to become a bit heavier. It may ocassionally loose powersteering for a wee second or 2.

[Gismo]

You would notice a significant effort to turn the wheel, best trying when stationary left lock to right lock, you'll hear the pump, if it's working

[ripthejacker]

Thanks for the replys guys :thumbs up:. I checked it out and the there is the whining noise I think it was just me as I have hadent paid attention and just started reading up on problems etc on the internet.

I mean it is a 52 plate Cooper, although it only has 32k on the clock and with the condition it is in, im hopeful and believe its health is fairly good.

[johnsop1]

Apologies in advance cos this is going to sound negative but:

My 51 Cooper (done 60,000) had always been serviced at BMW dealers and took it in to get serviced in May and and got an advice note of £4000.00 (BMW prices) of additional work required.

This included:
New Steering Column
New Gearbox
Work on the Front Suspension
New Front Discs
New rear Discs
New N/S Headlight (leveller had stopped working).

Hated doing it cos I I loved having it but I made the decision that it was cheaper and a more sensible decision to get a new car. Incidently £4000.00 was what I got when I traded it in.

My advice - enjoy owning a MINI - cos I did - but don't hang to it for too long.