2004 mini cooper s power steering pump

Table of Contents Show The MINI Cooper S uses a different type of power steering setup than most cars. How do you know if your power steering pump is bad on a Mini Cooper? How much for a power steering pump for a mini? Does the Mini Cooper S have power steering? Log Into My Account Create Account Forgot Password Create Password Please enter your email address and the security code exactly as shown in the image, then press "Submit" to create an account. Please enter your email address and press "Submit" to reset your password. Please create a password for your account. Please set a password for your account. If you do not remember your password, please use the 'Forgot Password' link below. Email Address Security Code Password New Password Confirm New Password Create Account      Forgot Password  Keep Me Logged In If you do not have an account but would like to check the status of an order, request a change, or report a problem with an order or shipment, please go to our Order Status & Returns page.

• Project Time: 1 hour
• Tab: $100
• Talent
• Tools: 13mm socket, 10mm socket and wrench

• Parts Required: power steering pump, CHF-11S power steering fluid
• Performance Gain: tighter steering
• Complementary Modification: replace power steering fan, replace power steering lines

The MINI Cooper S uses a different type of power steering setup than most cars.

Rather than having the power steering pump driven by the engine belts, the pump is driven by an electric motor. While this frees up some power from not being driven off the engine belts, it also has a disadvantage. As the pump runs, it gets hotter and hotter. It is also located directly below the exhaust manifold, which adds to the heat problems.

The power steering pump on the MINI is one of those items that seems to have a bad reputation. In talking to many MINI owners, it seems that this is one of the more common items to fail on the car. In this article, I will go over the steps required to remove the old pump and replace it with a new one. HOT TIP: Now is a good time to replace the power steering lines as well (as they are known to leak.) Parts for the lines are here and here.

The first step is to disconnect the battery as we will be working in the general are of the starter motor. Remove the cap for the power steering fluid reservoir. You'll want to remove as much power steering fluid as you can. The best way to do this is to use a siphon or a turkey baster to suck the fluid out.

This helps to prevent excessive amounts of power steering fluid from pouring onto the floor (See Figure 2).

You'll also want to detach the reservoir from the mounting bracket on the firewall. This gives you some slack on the fluid feed and return lines. This will help when you're trying to remove them from the old pump. Remove the nut securing the clamp around the reservoir and the two nuts and rubber grommets holding the bracket to the rear firewall (See Figure 3).

Slide underneath the car and remove the two 13mm nuts holding the power steering fan to the power steering pump bracket. Lower the fan, disconnect the wiring harness and set it aside (See Figure 4). With the fan removed, you have access to remove the two electrical connectors that plug into the power steering pump. Clearance is a bit tight and it's bit hard to see what you are doing. The front, smaller connector has a tab that must be pressed to unlock it from the pump (See Figure 5). Now remove the larger electrical connector towards the back of the pump by prying it out to the left. This is the main power feed to the power steering pump (See Figure 6).

There are two fluid hose connections that attach to the pump. One is the high pressure side that feeds the power steering rack and the other is the low pressure return line that returns fluid to the fluid reservoir. Both of these will need to be disconnected from the pump

On the top of the pump, you'll see the 13mm bolt that holds the high pressure line on. Remove this bolt and use a flat head screwdriver to carefully pry the mounting flange out of the pump. Be aware that you will get a lot of fluid flowing out of the lines and the pump so a drip pan underneath will help to prevent a huge mess. Also, inspect the O-ring on the end of the line. If it is damaged or worn, replace it (See Figure 7 and Figure 8).

To the side of the pump you'll see a rubber hose clamped on. This is the low pressure fluid return line. Pry open the hose clamp holding the line in place but don't remove the line just yet.

Remove the 13mm nut on the underside of the front subframe. This is the forward mounting point for the bracket that holds the pump in place (See Figure 9).

Now look on the other side of the steering rack, it's hard to see them, but there are two 13mm bolts that hold the power steering pump bracket to the subframe. A 13mm socket with extension really helps to remove these two bolts (See Figure 10).

Now remove the pump from the subframe. This will take a little time as it's a tight fit, but once you start moving the pump around, you'll find the best way to get it out. It's a good idea to push the power steering fluid reservoir down towards the rack from up inside the engine compartment. This will give you more room to remove the return line.

Once the pump is removed from the car, you'll need to remove the mounting frame and transfer it onto the new pump. The outer part of the frame is held on with four 10mm nuts (See Figure 11). Remove the nuts and lift the pump off the frame. Next, remove the upper frame parts bolted to the pump with Torx screws (See Figure 12) Re-fit these two parts of the bracket to the new pump.

Now place the pump up into position and reconnect the two fluid lines, using both a new O-ring on the high pressure line and a new hose clamp on the low pressure line. It will take a little maneuvering to everything lined up just right, just take your time. Reconnect the two electrical connectors going to the pump and re-install the power steering fan.

The last step is to re-fill the reservoir with fluid and bleed it. MINI specifies the use of CHF-11S fluid ONLY. This fluid is available from Pelican Parts from and is specially formulated for use with electric power steering pumps. The fluid itself is thinner than regular power steering fluid and prevents the power steering pump from overworking itself. Don't try to run regular fluid in the car because it's likely to overload the pump.

Fill the reservoir with fluid until it will reach the MAX mark on the dipstick that is incorporated into the reservoir cap. Start the engine and begin to turn the wheel full lock to either the right of left. You'll want to do this at least ten times. As you do this, it will bleed the air from inside the system. It's also important to keep an eye on the fluid level during the procedure and top it up as needed (See Figure 13).

Hot tip

Have a drip pan on hand to catch all the old fluid.

How do you know if your power steering pump is bad on a Mini Cooper?

How much for a power steering pump for a mini?

Does the Mini Cooper S have power steering?