Ah, the joys of driving another used car and knowing very little about it (04 MCS JCW)

I've done extensive research into the number of different sounds these vocal little cars like to make (Tie-fighter power steering, loud valves/lifters, etc.), but I still haven't been able to find a definitive answer on the Getrag gearbox noise I have.

My symptoms are some "chattering" when in neutral with the clutch up that seems to fade when I depress the clutch. I'm assuming this is the noisy DMF in the box. I don't feel any clutch slippage or any other issues other than the sound and that first and second gear changes do seem relatively "loud" with my windows down (Maybe its always this loud and I just can't tell up at speed). I can't really tell whether there's noise while I'm in gear since the road noise tends to be higher.

Is this something to be worried about or is it a relatively common occurrence? Most sources seem to say its only really a problem in the older R50 Midlands boxes, but the Getrag is naturally a noisy tranny (though tough as nails).

Also good to note is that the upper passenger motor mount just sprung a leak and I'll be replacing it this weekend. There's no metal clanking while driving or anything or extreme vibration so I figure it'll be fine until the new part comes in. However, I've heard that these sort of issues can cause extra strain on the drivetrain which does make a lot of sense.

Any insight is appreciated

 

We recently had the same issue on our mcs...turned out to be the flywheel. This at only 68k. We did not notice the noise, the dealer told us of the issue. New flywheel and a clutch while they were at it, noise is gone.

 

Eek. Was it noise only or did you start noticing strange behavior? And how much did it run you from the dealer? I have to strain to hear it right now but its there. I can only really hear it in neutral with the AC off or the hood up. If its a noise-only issue it won't bother me that much, I just was wondering if anyone else had experience with this since the reports seem to be hit or miss.

 

We did not notice any strange behavior. We bought the MINI at 43k, and it always made the noise, so I did not think anything of it. The cost at the dealer was 2700, that included the new clutch, which was only 300 for the parts. We had an extended warranty, so the cost to us was 700. I don't remember how much the flywheel was...most of the cost was labor.

 

Interesting. I guess since you were still under warranty it was worth going ahead and getting it done. =P From what I've seen, it seems people are saying don't worry about it until your clutch is going out, then do it all at once. Yeah I'm looking at about what the cost of parts are plus the fact that its a 4-8 hour job.. I have a few local mechanics who could definitely do it for less than the dealer (nearest is Memphis bleh).

My clutch still feels fantastic since most of her miles were highway.
Any more insight would be great though.

 

Upper mother mount leaking, very common.

Noise when in neutral and clutch out also very common. Sometimes described as a chewbacca sound, or chatter. Goes away when clutch is pushed in, will sometimes go away if you let the clutch out very, very slowly. It is the dual mass flywheel. Mine has been doing it for over 200,000 miles (currently at over 280,000 on the clock, origional clutch) I can't remember exactly when it started, but it was awhile ago. Clutch has always been strong, no slipping, ever.

I personally wouldn't worry about it.

Good luck,

Nik

 

Thank you for the reassurance! I was wondering what that was going to "sound like" since I haven't had this Mini through a winter yet (Its still flipping 105 degrees down here in Arkansas...)

Good to hear from a high-mileage Mini owner! As long as I know "its nothing" it doesn't bother me.

 

As already said the clutch noise is just an annoyance. Mine does the same thing with 90,000 on the original clutch.. it seems to be the most annoying while at the taco bell drive through something about their walls reflects the sound more than anything else. Or it's just the minis way of telling me to make healthier decisions.

Congrats on the new ride!

 

I would agree with everyone else so far. No need to really address it unless it bother's you that much.

If it were me, I'd just take care of it whenever you replace your clutch.

 

Thank all of you so much for putting my mind at ease! I was almost sure the sound was coming from the supercharger for some reason (I've visually looked at it and haven't seen any signs of blackening/oil leaking which was something I'm going to start watching at this car ages more, also took a stethoscope to it and it sounded fine) and low and behold it was actually the clutch.

I won't worry about it then if its going to behave alright.

I never realized how noisy Minis were until I owned one! I guess at least you'll KNOW when somethings up because a new sound will crop up. xD

 

I have the same problem. Just keep an eye on the clutch (well...the feel of it, you know what I mean haha) in case it does get worse.

 

I had the Chewbacca sound fairly bad when i got my car. its a glazed clutch plate. common on minis, was covered under warranty By mini for a while, but stopped after either a certain age of the car, or actual date, cant remember which.

got mine replaced under Maxcare warranty, which Didnt cover the clutch plate itself, so i paid for that ($300 is right on the money) and the rest was only 50$!

Ps. i still get chewbacca once in a while. happens mostly when the car has sat for a week while i am out of town for work, or if its really cold out...

 

Yeah like I said, I can't tell if its worse in cold weather. I noticed it more this morning when I was about to leave (since it got to a miraculous low of 70s this morning. ). I'll just keep my foot open to feeling anything strange and see what happens. It seems the general consensus has been get it fixed if it bothers you/under warranty and chance maybe getting rid of it, or just keep going and keep an ear out for anything strange.

I did have a weird instance this morning where I went from first to second at moderate revs and it basically just seemed like I wasn't giving any gas though my foot was on the gas. I took my foot off the gas and put it back down and everything was fine again. It could've been that I missed the gas and didn't realize what I was doing in the moment but I'll definitely watch for that happening again.. There were no strange noises, no locking, nothing, it just seemed like I had shifted gears and didn't hit the gas. It was only that one time too so that was...strange. Maybe I'm just paranoid now... bahahah

EDIT: Nevermind, I seemed to have discovered the second thing I noticed and wasn't entirely crazy. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...irst-gear.html
YAY google!

Later I ran up a little more in higher gear while getting on the highway and everything felt silky smooth. Just threw me off for a spell I suppose.