So i have an 05 JCW. My wife and i notice that when we let out the clutch its kinda noisy. if we drag it out slowly its not as bad. is that an indication that something is loose or that the clutch is going?

 

Noisy as in sounds like Chewbaca? If so, that is just the sound the dual mass flywheel makes as it ages.

If the clutch is still engaging fine and holds power then I wouldn't worry too much. It's more prominent if the weather is colder.

 

idk about Chewy lol but maybe just more of a rattling sound. It seems to be holding power...and i do wana say that when its winter that its a bit louder

 

Chatter isn't uncommon in the colder months, clutches can chatter in warm weather too, nothing to detrimental to worry about yet. If the noise gets worse or to a groaning bearing noise then I'd say start saving for a clutch as the throw out bearing is on the way out.

 

I have had this issue on my 2005 @15k, and the dealer replaced the clutch/flywheel under warranty. Then I get another two years of warranty, and it reoccurred again at 50k, so another clutch kit/flywheel. Currently, I have 76k miles, and it is there again, but I am more than 2 years out of warranty.

 

Absent of Mr. Chewbacca's roar, it sounds like your throw out bearing is starting to complain. Unfortunately, that means you have a new clutch assembly in your near future. It may pay to get it done sooner than later: there's a small chance (very small, but real) that if your T.O. bearing goes, the bits will punch a hole in your trans case, which can be terminal for the trans. If this happens, call me first, I know how to fix them without replacing the whole thing.

 

I just remembered that when the clutch pedal is pushed down, the noise goes away

 

If the noise goes away when you depress the clutch pedal then it is more likely an aging dual mass flywheel rather than a worn-out throw-out bearing.

 

We're actually giving away a free Luk clutch on our Facebook right now that should work for your MINI. Otherwise, if/when it comes time you can check out our clutch super kits HERE. They have pretty much everything you'll need while you're in there for the job. If you have any questions let me know.

 

I have an '06 MCS with 87,000 miles that runs superbly and also exhibits an occasional strange clutch noise especially when cold and especially in 1st gear but sometimes in second as well. Only happens occasionally and doesn't seem to happen in any particular (shifting) pattern other than that when it does occur, it's usually a cold morning or just cold out.

The Mini dealer checked in when it was in for an oil change and said the clutch is fine and the noise doesn't appear be an indication of any problem. Had a few items completed at my usual mechanic's and he didn't notice any problem with the clutch after test driving the car and I've never experienced any issues with the performance of the clutch either. Just an odd noise I suppose but, at least in my case, not a problem.

Hope yours is the same.

 

Throw out bearing had this happen on several of my cars of many years.

Ian

 

I suppose either way if its a flywheel, throwout bearing, or hte clutch i just might as well replace it all at once and call it a day then?

Soooo how difficult is this do to on a mini anyway? looks a lil bit tight in the engine bay lol

 

We have a clutch R&R'd in under one work day. Many times we have the car delivered same day.

 

On the way home today my clutch started making a weird rattling sound. Lost some power too. Only makes the noise when the clutch is in - and gets louder the farther I depress the clutch. Read up on the bavauto blog and I think I might need a throw out bearing.

A few questions:
1. Anyone know what one costs?
2. Do I go ahead and replace the whole clutch and flywheel while I'm down there?
3. Are there better/cheaper alternatives for a lightweight setup?

 

Yes, you'll want to replace everything while you're in there for the job. You can do the conversion kit that many MINI owners do when it comes time for the clutch. You can check out our awesome clutch kits HERE that include just about everything you'll want to replace while in there for the job. Post #5 also discusses the conversion kit and how to purchase it as the main clutch in one of our kits.