Ok, had my mechanic install new Valeo clutch, stock transmission and new clutch slave.
After bleeding the clutch (numerous times!!), its not pushing the rod far enough to allow it to go into gear. Its about quarter inch too short.


Clutch feels right, not spongy... is this a bleeding issue (air in it still) or could it been something else?

 

Did you hold the slave cylinder in a compressed state with a clamp (or similar) while bleeding?

 

He says he did.
He's bled from the bottom up too apparently.

Not sure if it is the clutch slave, but can't see what else it would be, making the rod not extend enough... Albeit a 1/4"

 

How do you know it is not extending far enough, have you been able to manualy move the clutch lever an extra 0.250 inch allowing you to shift? The slave is new but the master is not. Worn clutches can require less travel to release so maybe the fault was there before the new clutch but was not noticable pointing to a possible issue with the master? Just throwing out thoughts.

 

Changed out the master as well as the slave cylinders... still not pushing the arm out enough to release.


Yes, the mechanics can push the extra .25" to get it to go in and out of get.


They stripped the transmission out again today and everything is installed correctly.


Anyone got any ideas why the slave piston wouldn't be pushing out enough?

 

There is a pin (i think) that holds the arm on which the slave cylinder acts to the clutch actuation shaft. If that was partially sheared or deformed in any way it could cause the problem you are seeing?

 

I have also heard of the clutch arms failing ion the Gen 1's. The finger bracket that is welded to the shaft (in the housing that acts upon the throw-out bearing) can fail. This causes only one finger to apply force to the throw-out bearing. This could cause the need for additional stoke to disengage. Did they inspect the clutch fork upon assembly?

 

Hmmm, thinking my last response only affected the 5 speed, base Mini. If you have an MCS did they replace the bolt that attaches the throw-out bearing fork to the shaft? Also, hoping they replaced the bushings supporting the shaft in the case, worn bearings would also affect throw.

 

Thanks.
Would the bushings make it seem like the Slave wasn't pushing enough?


Do you know what the reach of the Slave is? If I knew this I could get them to measure the rod. This would determine if it's the slave or not I think.

 

It sounds like it's not bleed right as I've seen the same thing before.

 

OK, so the mechanic has found a thread on their database, that the Valeo clutch kit has an issue with the T.O. bearing.
I've not heard or found anything on this.... Anyone?

It would make sense, if it is the case.


They've ordered a new bearing from Mini to replace the Valeo new one... We'll see and I'll update when I find out.


(I'll be contacting Valeo in Va too as I think they should have to pay for the new bearing and any extra charges for having to strip it down yet again).

 

I have the exact same problem with a luk flywheel and clutchmasters clutch.
I've also changed both cylinders, system was bleed many many times but still the problem remains.
No clue what's wrong

 

The T.O. bearing want the issue.


They stripped it down, looked at the install, everything and nothing was out of place.


They put it all back together, again!! and guess what?
This time it worked!!


tech thinks having he slave cylinder sitting for several days, upside down probably let the excess air self bleed itself... funny, I remember telling him to do that a bloody month ago!!


Anyway, the Valeo clutch is excellent and very quiet and smooth... highly recommended.

 

This right here is why I am very happy with my retrofit slave from Greene Performance. It bleeds easier. It took us like 3min to get it going. It's really nice.

 

Thanks... Could have done with this a post a couple of weeks ago.
Serves me no help now!

 

Sorry, I wish I saw it sooner. Glad you got it sorted though.