Mini Power Steering - Anyone Know The Problem?

Monster · 10 Apr 2008 at 16:30

My ex just got herself an 03 plate (i think) Mini Cooper. Now when she was turning around the power steering is making an awfully loud noise. I know normally you can hear power steering a little bit but this is massively loud and well over the top. Is there a specific issue with Minis?

What could be causing the additional noise? Lack of fluid or similar?

Any help would be excellent

thecremeegg · 10 Apr 2008 at 16:31

Power steering pump?

Jez · 10 Apr 2008 at 16:32

All mini's seem to make a loud noise when using the PAS system. Does it sound like a big electric motor?

Lashout_UK · 10 Apr 2008 at 16:32

Low fluid level will cause, or exacerbate this noise, so worth checking.

junglist_but_not_any_more · 10 Apr 2008 at 16:43

It's common. There's actually nothing wrong with it if it's a loud whining noise you're talking about.

Appelhanns · 10 Apr 2008 at 16:47

The pipes and pumps get leaks quite easily so check the fluid level if it is making a strange noise.

ScoobyDoo69 · 10 Apr 2008 at 16:47

It's not an issue, they're like that from new, can always tell when a MINI is coming around in a car park

mjt · 10 Apr 2008 at 17:43

aye, all minis have stupidly noisy PAS ;p

Scottland · 10 Apr 2008 at 17:47

All the 1st gen Mini's do make a whiney noise when turning the wheel. It's just the noise the PAS pump makes. Gets really annoying after a while

Monster · 10 Apr 2008 at 18:40

Ye its like a big electric motor, definately the PAS. Didn't realise they would release a car with it being so loud though, its horrible. I'll get her to check the fluid levels and re-assure her she hasn't purchased a dog. Not in terms of a mini anyhow..... Thanks for the quick responses

jongeeone · 10 Apr 2008 at 18:45

The power steering went on my wifes, the seals on the pump gave way, all the fluid entered the stearing rack - done it all in

Rang BMW and they wanted £1500 for a new pump and rack... oh dear

ZG002 · 10 Apr 2008 at 20:44

My ex had one from new. That made a loud noise when using the power steering. Madness i thought lol. But yeah check the fliud levels. Other than that id probs put it down to the actual design.

West · 10 Apr 2008 at 21:02

As above have said, perfectly normal, its like a constant whine, if it is excessive check the fluid levels..

Toker · 10 Apr 2008 at 21:04

yea my mates mini cooper did that from new, it's just what their PAS sounds like - unfortunately

Pug · 11 Apr 2008 at 00:28

electric instead of hydraulic pump (i think) its comical how loud they are really. In fact, when the missus had her Cooper S, it was also comical how many niggly little things went wrong with it.

Scania · 11 Apr 2008 at 03:51

Pug said:
electric instead of hydraulic pump (i think) its comical how loud they are really. In fact, when the missus had her Cooper S, it was also comical how many niggly little things went wrong with it.

Indeed electric & noisy at that hence this common "fault" which actually it isn't.