Hey gang, I got the Valeo SMF and clutch kit. The throwout bearing included in the kit, there are 3 plastic tabs on either side and one of the 3 on one side has broken off during transit.

There's confusion if this throwout bearing is unique to Valeo or an OEM MINI part. They look completely different. Can I use a standard OEM MINI throwout bearing for the Valeo SMF clutch kit?

Also, not included in the kit are the 2x driveshaft nuts, are they OEM MINI as well? I also need to replace the steel guide sleeve and "Thrust bearing"....isn't the thrust bearing the same as the throw out bearing?

I need to get all the parts sorted for my mechanic before my scheduled hoist time in mid July.

First pics are of the OEM Mini Part, 2nd set of 2 pics are of the part I got with the Valeo clutch kit

 

First question, where did you get the kit from? Did you order it online and have it shipped to you? If the part was broken during transit to you, I would call whomever you ordered it from and have them send you a new one.

I am unsure if you can use the OEM MINI release bearing. The question in my mind is that if the dimensions are different for the solid flywheel conversion the release bearing might be different than the one specified for the MINI equipped with the DM Flywheel.

-Luccia

 

Hi Pelican,
I got the kit from Bavauto. I called them, they called Valeo and Valeo said it was OEM MINI. I called Valeo to clarify and they said it was OEM MINI also.

Does anyone know for sure if the dimensions are different between parts? I don't want to stick OEM parts into the SMF conversion kit and it tear itself apart.

 

I found the same Valeo kit on eBay and it looks like it has an OEM MINI throwout bearing. I really need help confirming this as my booking for the clutch job is coming up soon and I don't want to put a bad part in and tear up another clutch or possibly do more damage....

 

I hope you are replacing the throw out bearing guide tube while you are in there. Motor on.

 

Well that is good news then! If all companies are saying so then you should be alright. Believe this is the part number you'll need: 21-51-7-547-077

-Luccia

 

Definitely!?

Any confirmation that the part# for the guide sleeve is 21517547077?

 

The mechanic I'm using also says I need to discharge the AC gas, have it retained and recharged after the clutch job. Is that right?

Should I get a second opinion and quote from another shop?

 

Another thing was I was quoted $200aud for 2qts gearbox oil. I'm going to order some Red Line MTL gearbox oil, what weight do I need, 75W80?

 

I did a motor swap without discharging the AC, but the trans comes out the bottom without removing the motor so the AC shouldn't even be a concern.

 

Red Line has an awesome application guide here. Believe you're correct. 75W80 here should be what you need for the manual transmission. As for the question about the clutch, read this DIY here as it should give you all the information needed for the replacement steps of your clutch.

-Luccia

 

You do not need to discharge a.c.. just fold it out of the way when needed and swing back in place. I suggest watching the excellent clutch video by modmini on YouTube even if you are not doing the work so you can tell if the mechanic is scamming you. Replace the guide tube and the pivot points. Be prepared to possibly need to replace the shifter cables too. My rubber was rotten on one of mine and no matter how careful I was I ripped it. I replaced both and now my car shifts like brand new.

 

Thanks for the advice, I watched that video several times and that's why I questioned the mechanic and he took offence. I'm replacing the guide tube but what are the pivot points and part numbers and I'll get them.

Also what are the shifter cable and rubber part numbers because I'm putting in a Craven Speed short shifter and modifying the shift box cover with the NM shifter box cover extension. Shifting is pretty stiff right now in the state it's in now.

2004 MINI Cooper Sport R53 Last 7 digits of my VIN are TK75588

Team, help me make a list of everything I need to replace while the shop is doing the clutch replacement to avoid any delay and to replace all possibly worn parts ahead of time. I'm doing the clutch, pulley, exhaust and a short shifter.

Starting with:
Throwout bearing
Guide Sleeve
...
...
...
...

Seals and gaskets I already have are:
Output Cylinder 21516777428
Shaft Seal 11111492244
Shaft Seal 23117518633
Output Seal Right 23117550058
Gasket Asbestos Free 11621174968

 

pelican has a parts kit that covers the clutch install, except for the rear main seal ,, I have been in the automotive trade 30+ years and shopping for all of the parts that are ware items can be time consuming and add hrs to the job,, ,,change out the rear main my car had 93000 when I purchased it and was some what maintained ,, if not doing it your self , becareful of the repair shop that hasn't done these cars before ,,,,they will be learning on your car and will charge for it ,, oh check the water pump and supercharger oil while your in there ,, good luck gmonde

 

Thanks, gmonde...the shop specializes in MINI's. So, just expanding on what gpwpat said, what are the parts I need to ask Pelican for and what's the clutch kit...I can't find it on the website.

I do need to replace the shifter cables, motor mounts, guide sleeve tube, screws and bushings. I guess I need to contact Luccia.

 

BTW, how many quarts of gearbox oil do I need for the MCS 2004 manual trans.

 

why does the shop have you hunt down the parts? of course you know if *anything* goes wrong they will blame your parts.

 

The shop I go to usually doesn't like me to source the parts ...
except when I did a Midlands to 6-speed Getrag swap, they were
very happy for me to source all the parts (about 40 all together),
as it was a big headache to get everything correct.

 

We will install user-supplied parts, but I have to admit that if it's an OEM replacement part (and not a performance part), I do roll my eyes a bit (Privately ). It's a fine balance with folks bringing their own parts to a shop. The typical reason is that the customer (thinks they) can get the parts for cheaper somewhere else. In a few circumstances at Helix, that's true, but usually it's nominal at best. We had a bad outcome this week when a customer supplied their own BMW N54 downpipes that he has sourced from eBay. They ended up not fitting--not even close, so we had to remove them, put the stockers back in, get a set that did fit, and install those several days later. We did not charge the customer for the whole time of two installs because it was just so much money. Ultimately, we lost in that transaction, so I understand why many shops don't install user-supplied bits.

 

Sorry Rrotz! Just replied to your PM.

-Luccia

 

The R53 MINI Cooper S uses 1.5 quarts up to 2007. More info here.

-Luccia

 

Yea, I've realized it will be a headache sourcing parts in the US when I have a right hand drive car. So, I just got the clutch kit and guide sleeve and 2qts of Redline MTL from Pelican and will have the shop get the rest of the parts locally. It'll be cheaper factoring in the aus/us dollar exchange rate and shipping.

So, I just got the Valeo clutch kit, Alta pulley, short shifter and clutch on my own and the shop can get the rest of the small parts and worn OEM parts. It's already been a pain to get the upgraded bits I wanted already. I found out the hard way that I could get the ALTA pulley locally and for a few bucks cheaper. But the rest is what I wanted like the Borla exhaust, Craven Speed shifter and well cover and Valeo SMF clutch conversion.

I hope it all goes smoothly for the shop here in Melbourne. I just had the suspension installed and the front castor bushing needed to be replaced and I told the shop to have that ahead of time but they couldn't get it and was going to want me to get the bushings and spend another 4hrs to install it and do a 2nd front alignment. I'm going to get the bushings and have it done with the clutch job instead and save another trip to the tyre shop. I'm learning painfully what's involved with this project and the wifey isn't happy! :D

 

Good luck with your project,you will be happy with the stock clutch from valeo,it's nice and light pedal pressure with good grip