Shop for a Clutch Job
 

I have an R53 that has about 95k on the clock. The clutch is starting to slip. Looks like it is quite the job to do on your own, and unfortunately time is something I don't have. Anyone have an shops in the Chicago area they can recommend for a clutch job? I an in the NW suburbs, so closer to their would be great? If anyone recently got their clutch replaced, I am curious to see what the cost was. I know the labor itself is the killer.

My favorite place is Import Service Center in Glenview
http://www.glenviewimportservice.com/

Been going there for many years..

Same. Got me an R53 with 150k. I'm looking at:

http://www.mobileoneinc.com/Mobile_One_Inc/Home.html

as suggested by a friend who's been taking his mini there for years. I used to go to Hubbard Woods, I know they are referring old customers to a shop near their old location, but I forgot the name of the place.

Thanks guys for the suggestions! Are you at 150k on original clutch?

Yes.. 150k on the original clutch.. I want to say that I started noticing the slip around 125k, but I didn't have the time to work on it and it wasn't too bad. I could probably get by another 25k on it if I really needed to!

Here are some other suggestions I've found:

http://www.thewerkshop.com/

And I noticed Mini Mania Posted these links (Did not take a look yet) https://new.minimania.com/article/31...ners_and_Shops

https://new.minimania.com/Mini_Coope..._for_your_Mini

A buddy of mine owns this shop, but I don't know how he is with MINI's yet:
https://www.tf-works.com/engine-transmission/

Parts (clutch disc, pressure plate & flywheel) run around $350 for a Valeo kit. You're right in saying that it's a bunch of work. I just installed a clutch in my R53 and it's pretty involved (FESM, dropping the subframe, removing the transmission and a bunch of other parts). However, it's a GREAT way to learn a lot about how your Mini works. I'm lucky enough to be retired and have a Mini that's not my DD so repair time is not really a factor. I worked on mine a little each day for about a week. I believe having it done is close to $2,500 because there is a ton of labor involved.

I contacted the werkshop, but they said they cannot put a warranty on the labor if they use customer purchased parts. Is this usual for a lot of garages? I don't mind about not having a warranty on the part, as long as the labor has some sort of guarantee.. Does any shop do that? Waiting on replies from other shops at the moment. Will update.

Parts markup can be 100%. That's the shop's issue ... if you buy the part, they can't mark it up. It has nothing to do with a guarantee which by the way comes from the part manufacturer not the repair shop. Find another shop.

Gotcha. So thewerkshop.com is out of the question then.

So far the parts I have on hand are the Valeo Clutch Kit and rear main seal.

Any other parts I might want to replace while I'm at it? I'm looking at these three shaft seals:

Shaft Seal 26x40x7,1 $22.05 23117518633 https://parts.miniofkennesaw.com/pro...117518633.html

Shaft Seal 36x58 $40.40 23117518638 https://parts.miniofkennesaw.com/pro...117518638.html

Shaft Seal 40x62 $43.51 23117550058 https://parts.miniofkennesaw.com/pro...117550058.html

Necessary?

Based on my research, check the rear main seal and replace while you're there.

+1 Frozer860 ... The rear main seal is right there once the flywheel is removed. Easy to replace at that time (even if it's not currently leaking). Shaft seals are also easy to access at that time so maybe not a bad idea to replace them also.

If doing a clutch job you will have the front subframe out so it is the best time to upgrade the front control arm bushings to powerflex. The stock ones wear out every 40k miles and the PF won't wear out again. Since the subframe is out it cuts the labor down to an hour or less to replace them.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/powerf...shing-kit.html

And yes the Valeo kit is a good option for replacement as it's cost effective and reliable.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/valeo-...l-kit-r53.html

Consider changing the input shaft seal on the trans and the release bearing shaft/slider. Yes to doing the axle seals while the drive shafts are out. Front rear control bushes are a must do too as WMW says. Mind that the flywheel bolts are torque to yield and must also be replaced.

Gotcha, I already replaced the control arm bushings to the purple powerflex a few years back. They're great!

Took my mini to a shop in Glenview IL today, http://mobileoneinc.com/ . Originally quoted around $800, but got back to be with $120/hr for 11 hr service, with an additional hour for the rear main seal? Still not a bad price I think. I supplied the Valeo clutch & flywheel as well as the rear main seal. Hopefully all goes well, considering the age of my R53 and some lines being quite old and corroded @_@

I'm in a bind.. the shop has my car, apparently the rear main seal that i had delivered is not OEM and my guy doesn't to use it since it won't be under warranty. Current rear main seal is not leaking. It will take a few days to get ordered in. I need my car to be done by EOD tomorrow.. :sad: do I risk staying with the exiting rear main seal or totally worth it to wait for an OEM one to be shipped??? I'm calling local service shops around to see if they have one in stock now..

What RMS did you get. Victor Reinz?

a fel pro *slaps forehead*

Just an update. I did the job myself. Took about 16 hours total. That includes changing Crank position o ring, oil pan gasket, RMS, and other broken bolt's and such. Pretty straightforward but very time consuming.