Most liked posts in thread: Feds upgrade probe into 1st Gen MINI Power Steering Issue

Possible recall

Finally, something may get done about this issue.

 

Is the problem largely connected with a clogged fan motor? I was told that the earlier MINIs didn't have a proper shroud covering the fan assembly, but the later ones were covered. Is that the case? I'll keep an ear open for the recall potential...

 

So when the wires short out, melt and result in a small fire.... That would definitely cause an undervoltage condition in the power steering unit.

Their description sounds much less ominous.

See, you just need to use their language. When this crops up, just make your appointment. As they are rolling your burnt up MINI off the wrecker flat bed, just tell service to simply check for an undervoltage condition in the power steering unit....

 

I was wondering about this too. You can install the shroud as an aftermarket part. My mechanic was the one to let me know about the issue with the fans getting fried and using the shroud as a solution.

 

Seems odd to me that they are investigating only through 05. My 06 uses the same exact setup & so do the later convertibles. Thankfully I have had no problems with my PS.

 

I hope they do a recall, maybe I will be able to get back some or all the money I spent on my 04 PS recently.

 

My 06 has a plastic grille on the fan, but the underpants look the same as the others.

I'm on my 3rd fan, but the original PS pump whirrrs on...

 

Yep......

MINI Cooper - POWER STEERING FAN DUCTING OEM - R50/52/53 MINI CO - new.MiniMania.com

It just needs to be removed to do an oil change.

 

??? My 06' doesn't have that duct?

 

I earlier forgot to mention that my '05 does have a covered fan, albeit a plastic grill cover. I looked at the OEM part available from MINI Mania. I guess I don't get how fully enclosing, or encapsulating, the fan assembly can improve the circulation capabilities of the poorly designed/located component. Certainly it would seem that the whole assembly would not be allowed to breathe while covered up. Is the fan still drawing the air from underneath? It also seems like the heat from the bottom of the motor is more likely to be trapped with the MINI solution.

 

I have an '05 MCSc. The OEM fan cover for the '05s and up was to prevent the earlier issue where the fan malfed due to getting clogged with debris... I'm one of the ones who experienced (multiple) temporary, heat-related failure of the power steering assist. Steering was indeed manageable, but fairly interesting because the failure(s) occurred during demanding twisty runs in the Malibu canyons (TUNA CYN RD...)

In addition, I believe there is a third issue with '05's regarding the possible loss of function of the primary electric engine-cooling fan due to overload of the shared fuse with the power steering fan, resulting in engine overheating... Been a while since I've heard anything about these...

_Dave_

 

The duct is actually open to the front of the car, so when you are moving it acts as a ram air duct. And it does a great job of keeping the debris from blocking the fan blades.

I believe it was only on the 05' and up verts.

 

OK so it must be an improvement over the original design to add the modification. But what about the fusing problem am0eba brings up?

 

That was fixed also........I believe it was factory fixed in late '03 and the prior affected cars had a TSB issued to have them fixed by the dealers.

 

Neither does mine...

 

OK thanks. I'll keep an eye on this thread....

 

It bugs me that they say it's a customer satisfaction issue. Really? You lose your power steering and that's the same kinda thing as not liking the bolsters in the seats? ut:

 

Nathan... What's your take on adding the air ducting? And, also, do you have to get the whole splash pan assembly or will just the induction tube work?