I just took my MINI in to Hendrick's this morning for some routine maintenance, and while I was there, I thought I would mention that my clutch sometimes makes a "groaning" noise in first gear....especially in the cooler morning temperatures or after a rain shower. The clutch doesn't really feel like it's slipping but it makes a groaning noise....much like dragging a lawn chair over a concrete driveway; or a large belt slipping. The service tech said that MINI has a service bulletin regarding this problem and offered to COMPLETELY replace the entire clutch assembly....a 9 to 10 hour job....and best of all (drum roll please); NO CHARGE! WHOO-HOOO! They gave me a very nice 2008 MCa loaner and said my car would be ready to pick up on Monday or Tuesday! I could NOT have been more pleased!
When I got home, I did a little research on the NAM website and apparently this problem has been around for a while, but I think it might be little known that MINI actually has a fix for it. Anyway, I thought I would share this in the event anyone else has been having a case of the "groaning clutch!"

 

Thanks so much! I've just been living with it, b/c it seems to only happen as you say in the a.m. and when I uncharacteristically let the clutch out nice and easy. ;-)

I'll call my g/f over there and see what we can do about it...

 

Dave, I had the same problem and they replaced the whole thing under warranty. Guess what now its doing it again, so with a little luck they will do it again. We talked about it so I will take it in after Mickey & Mini for service and have them look at it.

 

Luke, did they replace your entire clutch assembly or just the throw-out bearing? There are several other posts regarding "clutch groan" on the forum, and it looks like the folks who had just the throw-out bearing replaced were more likely to have the problem return.

 

Checked it and they only did the throwout bearing, so now will be getting the whole kit and kaboddle put in. Thanks

 

Thanks so much for the post. I've been hearing this noise sporadically and mostly coming off the line on an uphill slope (which seems like all the time in western carolina). I tried to describe the problem and brought it to Century a couple of months ago....but of course they couldn't duplicate the problem....now I know what to tell them! I'm hoping this will be okay for the trip this weekend to Orlando....I'm guessing yes, since there I've had no problems with drivability.

 

I would think you can make your trip with confidence, mine's been doing it for weeks and hundreds of miles. I'm scheduled to go in the end of the month for it...

 

Just had the whole assembly replaced, at 33K miles, under warranty by Hendrick MINI--they are the best!

The only thing, and I guess Charles looped right back in for this too, the throw is longer than my truck! I hit my knee on the steering wheel before the thing engages. They told me it's hydraulic and will settle down on its own. It had better! ;-)

 

Got the BLUCOOPR out of hock yesterday and saw Doc's clubman coming in with wounded sunroof? Had windshield repalced, clutch repalced and windshield wipers, wiper fluid, oil change and filter, air filter, sparkplugs, brake fluid flushed and replaced. Total cost $30 bucks for the state inspection sticker. Runs great and new clutch is real soft compared to old one. Vehicle has 67K miles and brakes are the next thing, but will probably go aftermarket with those. Great service by the Hendrick team!

 

My new clutch was also noticeably softer than the original clutch, however it does seem to be "adjusting" back to a more normal feel after driving it for about a month. I hope I was just hearing things, but I think I heard it scraping again the other day. Man, I hope this is not going to be an ongoing problem!

 

I have a 2002 MCS and have the same problem. Do i have to pay for the fix since my car is obviously still not under warranty or is it a sorta recall deal?????

 

Hmmmm......good question! You probably will need to take your MINI to your dealer and describe the problem to them. Mention "Bulletin SIM 21 04 08" which is a complete removal and replacement of the flywheel, clutch, pressure plate, release bearing and guide tube. Since this is a MINI service bulletin, it may be covered....warranty or no warranty. It certainly would be worth checking into! Good Luck!

 

Typically it's not. TSB doesn't mean the warranty is extended. Sometimes it will bolster a case for goodwill though. Never hurts to ask, but on a wear item like a clutch, unlikely you'll get much support unless miles are very low are some other extenuating circumstance.

- Mark

 

Sorry to barge in...

Did anyone have the noise come back after getting the new assembly?


I had my entire assembly replaced about 2 weeks ago and it is still happening. Apparently someone else came in the dealership a few days after me with the same issue. Our SA has a call in with MINI USA because they are stumped.

 

I have had two clutch assembly replacements within the last 4 mos and it groans again.

Both were covered without any problems by the dealership -- they were so nice and accomodating -- I haven't had the nerve to tell them it is doing it again.

I thought I read the car would run fine for a long time even with the unpleasant groan.

If that is not true, maybe I need to try and convince them to do it again.

Three clutches in less than 6 mos seems nuts.

I own a couple of V-10 cars and they still have the original clutches in them and I drove a Z06 up over 100,000 miles and the guy I sold it too says it still has the original clutch in it.

So I know it isn't my driving style.

What would you do?

 

I had my clutch assembly completely replaced about three months ago....couldn't have been happier! Initially, the clutch seemed to have been fixed, but now I am starting to hear the groaning sound again. It isn't as frequent as before and seems to be limited to those times when I am starting out on the slope of a hill or slight grade; or first thing in the morning when the temperature is fairly cool. I am also sort of hesitant to bring it up to my MINI dealer again because they were so nice the first time around, however if this is an ongoing issue perhaps letting the dealer know will bring about a permenant fix from MINI. VERY FRUSTRATING!

 

My 2003 MCS starting making the same noise. I believe it is the same problem you guys are having. I wonder though, what exactly is "clutch assembly" and how urgent i should have this problem fixed?

Thanks,
Serdar

 

Go to the 1st Gen / Stock problems forum here on NAM and search on clutch noise or clutch groan, you'll see all kinds of info on it.

 

Yes my warranty was way over but Hendrick repalced it under goodwill. I really thank them for that! They are great to work with and reasonable if you just use tack and deplomancy when dealing with them.

 

Dennis
When did you have this done? Just curious if I should call my dealer about mine or if it's too late.
Thanks

 

Mike, I had my clutch assembly replaced mid September of 2008. Early on after the clutch was replaced, I thought I heard some additional "clutch noises".... but I guess I was just hearing things! Anyway, I'm happy to say that I haven't heard any "groaning" from the clutch for the last 3 years....knock on wood!

 

Thanks Dennis

I'm thinking of a stage one kit to help with my autocrossing....