Hi,

I am new here. I am a very mechanical person but this is my first Mini. Had an issue start the past few days. Ever gear shifts into itself nicely. When I let the clutch out while in 3rd gear it sounds similar to a bad u joint when you turn. Increases and decreases with speed. Also does it when engine braking during down shifts. If coasting with no pressure on the gear then no noise. Only noise when under load. Bad Gear? Bad Syncro ring? Bought the car less than a year ago. has 70k on it. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Weird..are you sure its not your exhaust touching the lower plate/bracket? I had an issue where my exhaust pipe split towards the rear causing it to sag and sit ever so slightly above the plate I'm referring to. The only time it would rattle and hum was in third gear for whatever reason. I'm guessing it did it in higher gears as well but I wasn't able to hear it due to road noise.

 

I don't believe it is but I can check that tonight. I can feel it in the stick when it is happening. Also if I get it rolling very slowly in 1st and go to 3rd it does it very slowly. almost feels like the teeth have some extra play in them and they are tapping each other every time. The tapping increases and decreases with speed. I will try to take a video. Driving me crazy. I have done some research and found that you can buy the bearings and seals to rebuild these but not the gears. Not looking forward to buying a new transmission.

 

Sorry bud. Definitely sounds different than what I was experiencing. Worst case scenario, if you do indeed require a new transmission, google used Mini parts. There are a couple of Mini junkyards that sell parts online. They offer transmissions for for only a few hundred bucks. Good luck, keep us posted on your findings.

 

Can also use www.car-part.com for a used transmission (if that is your issue). I've used this database myself for many many parts.

 

OK.... So I think I will be replacing my transmission. I will be looking for a used LSD transmission. Have found them used for anywhere from 650-1500. Does anyone know the difference between the JCW and LSD transmission?

 

Drained the transmission oil last night. Filtered the oil and saw Tiny Tiny (dust almost) gold specs in the oil. Most likely the 3rd gear synchro brass.

 

Yes, it sounds like you need a new one. :(