I have performed countless clutch replacements on these cars (minis in general). I've always dropped the subframe, supported the engine with a bar, and dropped the tranny out. I was talking to a few of my tech buddies and they have said it would be easier to pull the engine out. I dont really agree when there is access to a lift. But........ I am doing one in my garage right now, because my shop is full and i wanted to get some opinions on this matter. I might remove the engine and trans as an experiment, maybe ive been doing it all wrong for years. Please chime in everyone!

 

In ways it can be ! I’ve did it both ways ! Honestly they are both a pain in the *** hahahah

 

Part of my job in aviation includes risk analysis. Taking complex tasks apart and looking for failure points. In general the more stuff you take apart the more chances for failure occur. Needless to say I'm a fan of the KISS principal.

 

I just did a automatic trans replacement per the bentley manual. They say trans out with motor in Wasn't to bad. Sense i was in no rush and it was just me (age 55) it was about 6 hours out and about 4 back in

 

The automatic transmission is a little shorter and "easier" to maneuver.

in my https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4320284,
I tried to drop it from the top and it never seemed to want to slide in. I had to bring it face front as seen and even then it was a bit tight.

as mentioned before, to it the way you always do it. wait for cars to clear in the shop and do it there. otherwise, it is too much work on the floor.

 

Well, dropping the engine with the transmission means you have to drain the cooling system, disconnect fuel lines, evacuate the refrigerant from the AC system & the re-servicing (or removing the compressor). There are probably other steps you need to accomplish. My local indy shop doesn't drop the engine (MT). I'm with the KISS principle.

My only addition to the Bentley service manual is to add a step to make sure maintain the relationship between the steering rack and the steering column.

 

When changing the engine you can use tie wraps and safety wire to support the AC compressor and condenser coil without evacuating or breaking into the system.