1st Gen R50 Cooper Most liked posts in thread: Power steering fluid leak

I'm not sure what size the fitting is - metric for sure - but the end that goes on the reservoir is a slip-on fitting with a hose clamp.

 

Me, I prefer having my power steering.......

 

Positives outweigh the negatives here. Cost, time, weight, all the plumbing, maintenance & worry that go w/ it + free workout.

 

Get under your car and unplug the PS pump :biggrin5:

Personally I don't see the weight savings and getting rid of minor leaks outweighing the bear a car becomes at low speeds to steer.

 

The boots are there to keep dirt out, not to keep the fluid in.....that said you need a new rack.

Usually since you'll be changing the rack you'll need to at least change the hose from the reservoir down to the pump - that's the one that usually leaks, it gets hard and the clamp isn't a screw clamp, so over time as the hose hardens and shrinks it leaks.

So while you're in there......

Is it time to change the pump too? Tie rod ends? Ball joints?

Be sure to use the correct power steering fluid - Pentosin CHF 11S.

 

Do you happen to know the fitting size, I would like to use braided SS hose.

 

Or depressurize the steering system, get rid of the PS fluid in the rack & run the $50 Condor PS delete block.
That's the only part you'll need.

 

Yeah, MINI should've made the system more reliable. If out of warranty, replacing the entire system is a pain in many ways that's why I've a Condor in storage. It's always good to have a ready option, while still available, for a part or system that's bound to fail.

PS system, charger-pump gears are some of the parts that make the car retain its British identity.

 

You'll be ok w/ the PS delete. When my fuel pump left me on the church grounds that fateful Sunday, I braced for impossible steering as we were being towed by an SUV. My 12" steering wheel didn't help....to my surprise, I might have been overly prep'd by fear, steering w/o pump wasn't that bad & I can take Condor.....I think.

 

Add lightness.... Go with the Condor and get rid of all the PS plumbing...

 

Fill us in on how you like it once it is buttoned up.

I drove my MINI for 15 miles or so without the P/S. For me it's an experience I don't care to repeat. I'm wondering if my alignment had something to do with my hard steering or maybe it's old fart arms that only have strength enough for donuts & beverages. :donut1::beer

 

Hahaha. I missed the biggest positive.....Parking may be the only time you'd get the work out, you can always use valet.:biggrin5:

 

I know its an old thread - SO how did the PS delete work out

Al

 

Do you worry about stressing the U-joint at the bottom of the steering column,
you know, the one that was on back order most of last year?

At least it's available now (actually the euro right hand drive one is, and you
just have to make a minor change to get it to work correctly on left hand drive cars).