1st Gen R50 Cooper Most liked posts in thread: Power Steering problem already?

Most likely coolant from the color. Where the drops are located might direct you to where it may be coming from. Raise the vehicle and have a look. If there is dripping from under the gear box next to the oil pan, look up top for a leak from the thermostat housing on the head, #10 here, facing the engine it is on the right side of the valve cover, follow the fill tube down, there would be visible residue around the housing. There are many other locations it could be coming from and could be a simple as spill from an overfilled coolant overflow reservoir.

 

Most of the problems with the power steering are electrical, not leakage. Although there have been some filler hoses leak at the clamp. Also, after a while the fluid turns more brown than green, so unless it's already been changed recently it won't be that color. Also, not many of the pumps get noisey before they quit - they just stop working suddenly.

I'm betting on a coolant leak as well.....

 

Possibly washer fluid as well, depending on what is in it...

The thermostat housing and thermostat gasket on the R53 (S version of your car) is a classic place to find a leak, as are the seams in the coolant expansion tank (where you put coolant in). A new coolant tank has been provided since your car was built, so replacing the stock tank (if that is the problem) will help and the new one should last longer. There is also a cool stainelss version made by Forge that is available from aftermarket suppliers (I got one from Way Motor Works).

 

+4.

If you see drops again, try to do a feel and smell test to see if it's coolant (most likely) or PS fluid.

 

MINI coolant is the color you describe. So is the PS fluid, but the PS fluid is much more viscus.

My money is on a leaking thermostat housing. A very common problem.

 

Even on the "03's? I thought that was more so on th elater cars, especially the '06?

At any rate, I'd check the coolant tank back by the firewall, they've been known to leak at the seams.

 

That would be a nice inexpensive fix.

Glad it was something rather simple.

 

I love when it is the simple stuff....