Why Does Mini Cooper Electric Power Steering Pump Fail?

Alright, you own a Mini Cooper. Its cute appearance and powerful performance are quite impressive. But despite being such an efficient vehicle, its various auto parts may get damaged over time and can frustrate you at the end of the day. One such component is its electric power steering pump, and when it malfunctions, it can make it almost impossible to turn the steering wheel, ruining all the fun while driving. Calm down! Here is the breakdown of discovering the reasons behind your Mini Cooper electric power steering pump failure so that you can take the necessary actions to get everything back on track.

How does your Mini Cooper electric power steering pump function?

Before understanding the frequent causes of the electric power steering pump malfunctions, let’s learn what the key responsibilities it performs to maintain optimal vehicle operation.

 It’s a system that supports smooth wheel movement.

 Unlike older systems that rely on hydraulic fluid, this one uses an electric motor.

 This motor is responsible for providing additional torque for easy wheel turning during parking or slow driving in heavy traffic areas.

Thus, if this pump fails, the steering wheel becomes rigid, creating difficulty in turning, minimizing the fluidity of the steering, and preventing you from enjoying the sporty ride in your beloved Mini Cooper.

Primary reasons for your Mini Cooper electric power steering pump failure

Numerous reasons can make this electric power steering pump damaged. Hence, listing below some major reasons behind this inconvenience:

1. Damaged parts

The electric power steering pump includes different moving components. So, those moving parts wear out due to working consistently. Other nearby parts, like bearings and seals, get damaged over time because of aging and frequent driving practices. Since these are the components that play a critical role in maintaining the pump’s functionality, when these parts act up, they can degrade the efficiency of the pump.

2. Electrical problems

Like every electronics, the electric power steering pump also depends on the electrical system to operate. When the fuses blow, the wiring and connections rupture or the battery weakens, plus the pump also stops working completely. Hence, if your Mini Cooper encounters a stiff steering wheel, the culprit is not always the pump, as it might be an electrical fault that causes the pump to malfunction.

3. Coming across excessive heat

The electric power steering pump has to operate continuously till your car’s engine is on. Due to its internal moving parts, it overheats, specifically while stuck in heavy traffic areas or while driving in scorching sun. When the pump comes across excessive heat, it burns out and stops functioning completely.

4. Water damage

Water leakage is truly common in Mini Coopers, particularly in the areas it shouldn't be. If water or any other liquid somehow drips into the electric power steering pump, it can short-circuit the motor or may rust different internal elements over time. This can happen more frequently if you drive regularly in heavy downpours or through puddles repeatedly.

5. Defective design

To be fair, older Mini Cooper models, specifically pre-2010 have a history of power steering pump failures. Thus, to some extent, it might be true that the pump malfunctions due to a design flaw like the pump is engineered as it doesn’t receive enough ventilation, so works overstressed.

The bottom line

As you have read, the electric power steering pump is a vital element of your Mini Cooper that makes your car’s every turn smooth and effortless. However, if the pump gets damaged, it can mess up with the overall vehicle performance as well as ruin your safety. Thus, by learning the usual reasons that trigger this nuisance, you can easily detect and address the trouble at an early stage. Since this electric power steering pump is a complex electrical vehicle part, you must not handle this on your own, even if you have basic repairing skills. So, it's better to visit the nearest Mini Cooper service center or hire a certified technician to test whether the pump is malfunctioning and repair or replace the pump with a new, high-quality pump suitable for your Mini Cooper model for better results in the long run. After all, your cherished Mini Cooper deserves the best care.