Hi all. My name is Gavin and I bought a 2003 JCW Coopers S in December of '11. I am hearing a definite rough/bad bearing noise coming from somewhere in the proximity of my SC. I know that there is a outfit in St Charles that rebuilds the SCs and I think there is another in the area that Auto Cooper X uses. What I am looking for is a shop (besides Mini of St Louis) to take off the old one and install the rebuilt one. It's ether that or do it my self which makes me sweat just thinking about everything that could go wrong there. I am just across the river in Belleville and would love to talk to someone who owns a R53 that can point me in the right direction. Thanks.

 

If you join the St. Louis MINI Club, you get 20% off parts and service (I think it includes service, but not 100% sure). If you still want to take the non-dealer route, there are several places that can work on your MINI (search "pulley install" here and you will find threads mentioning local shops). One that I know of is at 170 and Olive. Good luck.

 

First check your belt tensioner and idler pulleys. They are much cheaper and easier to fix, and often go before the SC goes.

 

I just had my MINI inspected at Hubler Auto Plaza in O'Fallon, MO. I asked about their service department and told them what you were wanting done and they said they could help you out. I know it's a drive for you, but if you want to call them here is their info:
Service manager Rob Meyer 636.281.3319. Good luck.

 

Those have already been replaced by Mini of St Louis and they told me all was good. Wanna know how much they took me for? $800. That was just for a belt tensioner and a right motor mount. Never again.

 

Thanks. I'm going to try Ecotech. It's a little closer and they have some great reviews.

 

How do I join the St. Louis Mini Club BTW?

 

Just jet on over to the St. Louis Mini Club website and click the Membership link. :D

 

I've heard good things about Stiegemeyer, it's where I'll go when mine eventually bites the dust: http://stiegemeier.com/index.html

 

Bavarian at I-170 and Olive also knows their way around the SC (they picked a rock out of my pulley that was cutting my belts apart, too small for me to see in my dimly lit garage!)

 

That's where I sent mine. In and out of their shop in 1 day.
Maybe a little more $$ than other re-builders, but the quality of the work and Customer Service are second to none!


Jim

 

Went there and payed my dues and gave them all the vitals. I will be meeting you guys soon it seems.

 

Welcome to the club, I'm sure you'll find everyone to be very helpful and a lot of fun.
Joe

 

Does the noise go away when you push your clutch pedal in? If so...it's probably your throw-out bearing.

 

No. It's definitely the inside bearing in the SC that carries the PTO shaft that drives the water pump. Misha @ Ecotech put on the stethoscope tracked down the culprit and then let me listen also. In a way I'm happy it happened now rather than this summer in July or August and cost me a engine. BTW I was talking to the previous owner tonight and I found out I have the first JCW package installed by Mini of St Louis. Kind of cool.

 

I'm jealous of your JCW. :D


But not of the problems. :(

Keep us posted and welcome to the club!

 

Thank you Skip. You and I will be seeing each other this summer. Count on it.