When I start off in first gear in my 2003 Cooper S, especially when cold, I get a screech from the drivetrain. No clunks or vibrations, just a not-very-high pitched screech that lasts until the clutch is fully engaged and the car is rolling - less than a second. Anybody have any experience with this?

 

Sounds like the throw out bearing or the fingers from the clutch plate hitting the bearing.


https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...of-travel.html

 

How many miles? Could be your clutch is worn and the rivets are hitting the flywheel.

 

I have a serpentine belt that has started to screech for the first couple of 1st gear starts when cold, but as the belt warms it goes away, just a little reminder to replace it with my next Oil service.




Motor On!

 

Thanks for the replies. I put in the small s/c pulley with new belt not too long ago. Of course I can't remember if it screeched before that or not, but it certainly didn't screech immediately or I might have put 2 and 2 together . . .
I'm going to somehow listen for the screech under the hood as my son starts off in first gear (why do I feel this might be my last post?) to test the belt theory, but I'm leaning toward the clutch guide tube theory. But then, why only starting off in first?
I hope to let you all know what I find . . soon

 

^^ Yeah...that, or just a worn belt tensioner.

Is the acceleration a little "bouncy" feeling? Does it screech louder/chirpier if you dump the clutch? Especially if you added a pulley, and now you're experiencing a screech, I think the tensioner is a better (and far more likely) first step.

 

As some have said, kinda sounds like T.O. bearing...If memory serves, on wet weather days especially, and when drivetrain is cold going out driveway my 03 MCS would make a chewbacca howling noise....It went away but only after the T.O bearing was replaced, along with a clutch I really didn't need, but while you're in there.....crazy not to if spending $800 for labor.

 

New tensioner with new belt and new pulley . . .
I'm still trying to figure out how to get my ear under the hood when the clutch is engaged in first gear without getting killed . . .
oh . . . jack stands . . .
I'll try it Monday . . .

 

I use a length of about 4 feet of PVC hose as a stethoscope (or more like a safe ear extension). Put one end at the ear and the other end aim at your target noise source. It work really well to to isolate down to the cylinder where the valves clicks.

 

I think it's a dry clutch throw-out bearing. My '02 does it occasionally, more so in colder weather. It only lasts a second or so.
It's been this way for three years.
I wouldn't worry about it.

 

I've personally seen what happens when a TO bearing issue is ignored, I can tell you it's not a pretty sight....and gets expensive.

Found this, good read: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...nsmission.html

 

And here too: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...gh-casing.html

 

Yep, 50/50 chance. Hopefully its the easier of the 2. If you get your ear close to it, you will hear which one.