TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 55 MPH WHEN GRAY SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AS THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE OVER HEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE HARMONIC DAMPER HAD DETACHED FROM THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,000.