1st Gen R52 Cooper Convertible Replacing power steering pipes and reservoir

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by TOPLESSMINI, Jan 31, 2016.

  1. TOPLESSMINI

    TOPLESSMINI Member

    Sep 1, 2015
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    I'm in the process of replacing my power steering pipes and reservoir. I finally received my parts and started by removing the old reservoir. One of the pipes (straight one) is just not coming off so I may have to cut it. However I am more concerned about where this pipe connects to the power steering pump. I can't get in there to cut off the clamp. Any trick on doing this? I removed the old lower engine mount as I needed to replace it too and I figured it would give me more room to work. I also removed the fan.

    I thought perhaps I could drop down the pump but it's still attached to the reservoir. Really not a lot of space to get that pipe out of there. And then I have to do the reverse to finish the job...

    Any suggestions??

    :crazy:
     
  2. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    AFAIK, the only reasonable way to do this is to drop the subframe... That's how my mechanic did mine, and how I'd do it if I was doing another one.
     
  3. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    You release the tank from the bracket holding it, then drop the subframe, and the whole assembly of pump, tank and lines is lowered simultaneously. Then you can get to the fittings on the pump.
     
  4. Steve

    Steve Administrator
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    Apr 23, 2009
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    Dropping the subframe makes it super easy to deal with the PS system but it adds the much greater (IMO) difficulty of dropping the subframe...

    My Bentley manual describes the procedure without dropping the subframe and I followed those instructions the first time I pulled and replaced my pump so I know it can be done. On the other hand, when I later pulled the whole system, lines included, I dropped the subframe because I thought I was going to have to replace the rack (still not necessary, even to replace the rack, but if you're going that deep it might be worth the effort). I have no idea how difficult it is to replace the lines without dropping the subframe but if you can it's definitely easier to not drop it, esp if you have to work with just a floor jack and some stands like I do.

    Trouble is, though I know I've disconnected those lines and removed the pump with the subframe, etc, in place I can't quite remember how I did it. Close quarters in there and I have big hands. Seems like I might have had to unbolt the pump so I could shift it a bit in order to get my hands in there...maybe?

    To tell the truth, I remember having more trouble disconnecting the two electrical harness connectors than the two hydraulic lines.

    It's also difficult to maneuver the pump out and then back in, but it can definitely be done. I'm going to quote another M/A member (Minidave) who wrote to give me some tips when I first pulled mine.
    He was right. :lol:
     
  5. TOPLESSMINI

    TOPLESSMINI Member

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    Can't drop the subframe, up on jackstands.

    I don't have the clearance to drop the entire sub-frame. I should be able to get those hoses off without moving the pump as long as I can get rid of the clamp.

    My MINI shop handbook says to cut the clamp off but there is no room to get a tool in there. Best I've been able to do is slide the tip of a flat blade screwdriver in and twist. The clamp is a bit loose now. I can kind of rotate it back and forth with the screwdriver blade but it's not slack enough to let the hose slide off.

    I'm gonna need to take my time with this one...
    Feeling kind of Zen right now... Oooooooommmmmmm

    :arf:
     
  6. Steve

    Steve Administrator
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    Somehow I got it in my head that you were also replacing the pump and trying to figure out how to remove it. Brain fart. Should have read your post more carefully.

    Still might be worth disconnecting the reservoir from the top of the return pipe (if you haven't yet) and removing the mounting bolts for the pump so you can shift it around a bit in there in hopes of creating enough space to work at that clamp. You're going to need to do something creative anyway to have the space to attach the new return hose and clamp.

    Good luck and let us know what you come up with.
     
  7. ColinGreene

    ColinGreene Well-Known Member
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    you dont need a ton of clearance to drop the subframe, you could pull the entire pump though.
    dropping the subframe makes cleaning the mess up much easier.

    though if you need a mount i have those in stock at
    Greene Performance
     
  8. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    Agree with Colin.

    Dropping the subframe isn't nearly as big a deal as I built it up to be in my head. As long as you don't have a rust belt car with rusted everythings.
     
  9. Eric@Helix

    Eric@Helix New Member
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    You don't need to drop the subframe to replace those hoses. If you're struggling to pop off the clamps, you can try cutting them with a cutting wheel. Just be careful not to nick the ferrule on the pump housing.
     
  10. clifforddward

    clifforddward Active Member

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    I know I replaced my two hoses without dropping the sub frame...followed the Bentley manual and if memory serves correctly I was able to pop the clamps off


    It is a tight fit.
     
  11. ColinGreene

    ColinGreene Well-Known Member
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    you can always just pull the pump down and change the hoses like that.
    I just like pulling the frame so i can easily clean the mess up and service other things.
     
  12. TOPLESSMINI

    TOPLESSMINI Member

    Sep 1, 2015
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    I finally got the new power steering fluid reservoir and hoses replaced. It was a pain but I was able to get it done without removing the pump. I accessed the bolt on the pressure side by removing the driver side wheel and using a long extension on my ratchet.

    Looks like there are no leaks. The pump was making a bit of noise after I filled up the tank. I turned the wheel back and forth to help clear out the air bubbles in the system and left it sitting overnight. It sounds better today so I'll keep monitoring things but it looks good now.

    Thanks everyone for all the comments and suggestions. Every little bit helps :D

    Now, for a really stupid question. Is it possible to retract the convertible roof by using the buttons on the key? I'm asking because I had the key in my pocket and I had my legs pressing against the front of the car and the roof started opening on its own. It stopped when I jumped back but later it finished opening while I was working under the car.

    I wasn't working anywhere near the car wiring so I'm hoping it's something stupid like that and not a short.

    I remember I could open the sunroof and windows on my Clubman so I guess you can do this with the convertible too (first gen) but I can't find any reference about it in the manual...

    :confused:
     
  13. BlimeyCabrio

    BlimeyCabrio Oscar Goldman of MINIs
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    Convertible opening with the key is an option that can be enabled via coding. If you have it:

    Starting with the car locked:
    1) Press unlock once to unlock doors, release for 1/2 second
    2) press and hold unlock - keep holding , and windows will open, and maybe the sunroof (I don't recall). When everything stops, release for 1/2 second
    3) Press and hold again. sunroof or roof will start opening.

    Eventually everything will open, just keep releasing and press/holding.

    You can actually enable closing with the key through coding, also. The dealer usually won't do it, but a savvy helper with NCSexpert can do it.
     
  14. TOPLESSMINI

    TOPLESSMINI Member

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    Interesting... I'll have to test this.
    Maybe it's enabled on my MINI!

    Thanks for sharing the info
     
  15. TOPLESSMINI

    TOPLESSMINI Member

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    Yup... The buttons on the key work. I can open the windows and sunroof, then open the roof remotely.

    You learn something new every day! :arf:

    And on another positive note, no more leaks!
     

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