So our 05 MINI Cooper S spends most of it's time in Dublin with my GF while I'm in Limerick and I borrow it occasionally. This means I'm not driving it all the time, it's more like a special treat on occasions.
Last time I drove it, which was the first time I'd driven it for a while, it really felt like
- The Power Steering was really stiff.
- The clutch seemed really stiff.
- The brakes are a bit soft.
Based on this, I've 'borowed' the car from her to investigate these problems.
Now, it has been recently serviced so that shouldn't be an issue. I've also noticed a lot of comments about steering pumps going on MINIs of this age. I'd like to get it checked out by an expert, 'coz I don't know whether I'm being paranoid (Cooper S has a very 'tight' driving experience anyway, maybe it's just that?). I've been to the main dealer in Limerick, and to be honest I don't trust them (to do a thorough job and/or charge me fairly for it).
Anyone got any suggestions on whether these symptoms could be related, what could be wrong, and where I can go to get it checked out by someone who knows the cars? I'd be willing to travel to make sure I get the proper expertise.
- Chopper