Power Steering Pump removal instructions by DMBFan2

8 minute read

Power Steering Pump removal instructions 

Compliments of DMBFan2 @ northamericanmotoring.com

2-4-2010

I have checked numerous threads here in NAM and other sites to figure out how to remove the PS pump. While I was removing mine, I had to continuously jump from one thread to the next in order to get good instructions. So, instead of having to jump around for information, I decided to try and condense it here. The following set of instructions are taken from different sources (NAM, Mini2.com, BBC, etc) The photos are numbered for the corresponding instruction.

1. I used my Shop Vac to suck as much of the fluid from the reservoir.

2. Disconnected the low pressure hose from the reservoir (the one toward the front) and again used the Shop Vac to suck the fluid from the hose. (I didn't get very much out)

3. Remove the cooling fan for the pump. (2 13mm nuts) To complete the removal you'll have to disconnect the wire connector, easy release by pushing the lever on the side.

4. Remove the two 13mm bolts from the backside of the pump. This is pretty much blind, unless you have some sort of mirror or freakishly small head. You have to come from the backside of the cross memeber and they are at the bottom of the steering rack. You should be able to feel them. The exhaust down pipe made one of them a little tough to get at, but not bad.

5. The high pressure hose is a solid metal tubing that is bolted to the pump with a 13mm bolt. It is a little tight, but you can get it unbolted. There is an o-ring type of press fit for this connection, which you will have to overcome to get it released. Carefully pry it apart. Some fluid will drain out.

6. Remove the 13mm nut holding the front of the pump down, roughly in between the two that held the fan in place.

7. Now it is just a matter of sliding and twisting the pump around until you can get the pump out. Having the low pressure hose attached made this slightly more difficult, but also made it cleaner. It is also fairly difficult to get the low pressure hose off of the pump while it is on the car.

8. Lastly you can now release the two electrical connections and the pump will be free after you cut the nylon zip ties holding the wires to the bracket.

9. The pump is connected to a bracket which will not come with a new pump, and probably should be removed before sending in to rebuild.

10. Now just reverse this process to install.

11. Dont forget to fill the tank, cycle the steering back and forth (Some have said to do this if your car is still on jack stands and another has mentioned to using glossy magazines under the tires - anything that makes it effortless for the pump to turn the wheels is good).

BBA-Remanufactured pumps have been suggested by numerous Mini owners on NAM. They are currently charging 160 UK pounds and they come with a 2 year warranty: http://www.bba-reman.com/catalogue/D...ledProduct=920

CarSteering.com is currently charging $395 for a re-manufactured pump that comes with a 3 year warranty. http://www.carsteering.com/

Or you can just check EBay out and find a deal: http://motors.shop.ebay.com/__?_from...ower+steering+

If anyone can find a better pump with a longer warranty on it make sure you post it so we can save a few bucks for those mods that are need the most....Sprint booster, etc....

Here is a close up of the rear PS bolts and what your PS fluid should NOT look like. This is from an 03 Mini with 45k miles on it. My wife drives it to work and home...that's all....a total of 15 miles a day (+/- 2 miles). Healthy PS fluid is green in color....reminds me of mouthwash! mmmmm...... fresh breath...tastes good too

3-14-2010

Running all the time? Noooo that would kill the battery quick! I am not sure what the temp should be however I do know that it should not run all the time. You may need a new PS fan or a new PS pump. Maybe one of the wrench heads here can fill in the blanks.....

If you have to replace the pump then maybe run a PS cooler as well. you can find them anywhere and they seem simple to install.

Here are a few sites to check out:
http://www.go-fast.org/z28/pscool.html

http://www.motoringunderground.com/f...181#post474181

http://www.spalusa.com/store/main.as...&item=30103009

3-16-2010

"I managed to get the PS pump out today. I would say it took about an hour and a half. An hour and twenty minutes was just trying to get the pump out. what a PIA. I hate to think what it going to take to get it back in. I pasted the link below of the company I am going to go through to rebuild mine. I actually got it off ebay. $200 includes shipping. I spent an extra $40 to speed up the shipping."

Once you "get familiar" with the removal of the pump, installation is easy. You shouldn't have to drill or cut anywhere. It goes in the same as it came out. A tip though: Don't tighten all of the bolts until the very end. I found this to be a little easier.

Also, while your digging around a PS fluid cooler would be a good idea. That way the fan doesn't have to turn on that much (if at all) and it would extend the life of the PS pump (if its a heat issue that "eats" through these). Installing one now would be much cleaner to just add the cooler than to install it later. I am sure your local NAPA or auto parts storecan help you out with locating a small cooler (like an oil cooler or something). Sure you'll have to make some modifications to the high pressure (HP) fluid line, but that should be simple. Maybe if you took measurements of the bolt that is attached to the HP fluid line, they could locate a female adapter for it and a way to secure it to the fluid line.

Will you keep your old pump? If so, get it rebuilt from a quality shop and box it up. That way you'll always have an extra. These pumps are a known issue with Mini's.

If you have to send the old one back to BBA make sure that you compare the two side by side. You'll notice that there is a steel bracket on the side that you need to take off and put on your new one.