Hello all, I am in the process of ordering a new clutch for my 2010 Mini Clubman S. I have a simple question, do I also need to get a new flywheel? The car has 105,xxx miles. I would like to avoid purchasing a flywheel if possible, but if necessary I will have to. Any input helps. Thanks!

 

The Cooper S uses a dual mass flywheel, and they can be reused, but the friction surface can’t really be resurfaced. Also, while the friction surface may be ok for reuse, the internal springs and dampers might be worn out.

Have you considered going single mass conversion? ClutchMasters makes an entry level kit that feels like stock, but has a little bit more holding power. Check out their steel flywheel and FX100 clutch pack. I run that kit in my tuned Clubman, and it is a great street clutch. Good pedal feel and modulation, and holds all the power. I think i just crossed over two years and 40k+ miles with no issues.

 

Whether you have to replace the flywheel or not depends upon the flywheel's condition and if the condition is good your (or a tech's) confidence it can withstand another 105,000 miles. (The dual mass flywheels can last. The one my Boxster was still good at 317K miles.)

No MINI clutches but I have replaced or had replaced clutches in other cars. At first I relied upon my mechanic buddies and the tech at the automobile machine shop where I took the flywheel to be resurfaced for their opinion reusing the flywheel. Later I believed I had enough experience to rely upon my judgement.

A transmission drop to get at a flywheel that should have been replaced but wasn't when the clutch was renewed is an expensive lesson. If I had doubts about the flywheel I'd replace it. As njaremka points out there is more to the (dual mass) MINI flywheel than its friction surface.

But I would disagree with his recommendation to if the flywheel is deemed in need of replacement to use a single mass flywheel. The dual mass flywheel serves to dampen torsional stresses to the crank. So my recommendation would be to if the flywheel is deemed in need of replacement to replace it with a factory dual mass unit.

This way everything is the way it was before. Even if the crank doesn't break with the single mass flywheel the signal mass flywheel may bring other things to the table that over time could have you regretting the decision.

 

The proper single mass kits will include a sprung clutch disc, which will absorb and damp excessive vibrations and shock. The main purpose for dual mass flywheel is to reduce noise and harness experienced by the operator. I agree, it is a compromise, but not one that will automatically make the engine explode. Dual mass flywheels are a relatively modern part.

 

Sure the engine probably won't grenade the second it is run with the single mass flywheel.

A sprung clutch disc helps during clutch engagement. But a dual mass flywheel's benefit is present when the engine is idling and the the clutch is disengaged or the transmission is in neutral.

My 2002 Boxster came with a dual mass flywheel. And I'm sure that was not a dual mass flywheel's first appearance. So dual mass flywheels aren't that new. The dual mass flywheel eliminates the need for a crankshaft dampener. And kills two birds in that it dampens crankshaft torsional stresses/loads but also helps with smoother clutch engagement.

My SOP is if it ain't broke don't fix it. So if one is happy with how the factory clutch/dual mass flywheel is behaving -- other than of course it is worn out and needs renewing -- to stick with factory parts when renewing the clutch. This includes the dual mass flywheel if it needs replacement.

Even ignoring the risk of crankshaft failure with a single mass flywheel -- admittedly a low risk -- the engine's idle and throttle response and shifting (due to the single mass flywheel allowing RPMs to drop faster between shifts) may put off some owners.

Sure it is up to the owner. But I would point out that one can certainly opt to replace a dual mass flywheel with a signal mass flywheel and hopefully find everything to his liking. But the change could prove to be less than satisfactory and one might wish he had stayed with the dual mass flywheel. Of course he can install one but pays a pretty penny for the labor to drop the transmission and swap flywheels.

 

Was the clutchmasters bought from them or another vendor

 

I just checked out their site again........got it........Lol.

 

Yes, I bought it direct from them. Send them an email ask if they have any discounts available.

 

I don't think it is an issue with Mini but it was an issue with Chevy Duramax's from 2001-2006. The Duramax had enough torque that the dual mass disk would flex and cause the clutch to slip when pulling a heavy load particularly uphill.

 

Thanks I definitely will be reaching out to them.........