I have a 04 MCS with 65K, clutch engagement has changed but no slippage. During very hot summer rallies the clutch became stiff to operate. I have heard that the clutch lever bushings ( in trans case ) can bind up clutch operation. I believe trans R&R is required, so its best to do these during clutch replacement. I'm holding out until complete failure will decide on type of clutch closer to time of need.
jeff

 

K-huevo, I know and respect your knowledge in Mini mechanicals, but I would have to disagree with you a bit. Yes, there is a possibility that the noises that I am experiencing will not necessarily lead to clutch failure, and just part of the Mini ownership experience.

However, I know for a fact that a wet rubber rubbing against wet rubber feeling in the clutch pedal travel could probably be more indicative of a failing of the release bearing, which could lead to eventual clutch failure. I also know that the chattering/chewbacca sound could be oil leaking into the bell housing, contaminating the clutch/DM flywheel. Also a bad thing. My partner has an '05 JCW that he purchased brand new two months before I bought my '05 JCW. His clutch pedal travel started making the wet rubber/farting sounds, along with the chewbacca sounds last year at @30k miles. The dealership replaced his clutch under warranty (also after a lot of hassle), and they found that the plastic release bearing was just about completely cooked, and there was an oil leak in the bell housing from a failed seal that had saturated the clutch/flywheel.

If my warranty were gone, I would have to let it go until I was able to save up for the $1500-$2000 job needed to fix the problem (as the work involved is a good deal out of my technical reach), but I would fix it nonetheless to prevent possible bigger headaches down the road. But I do have a warranty (for 4 more months or 7k more miles). Also, there are multiple TSBs out for these issues that I have been experiencing, and Mini is replacing clutches left and right "on a customer complaint basis." That also worries me.

 

You had your mind made up, my post was for the general readership that was trying to gain understanding. How about becoming involved in a proactive troubleshooting process? If you are convinced you have a leaking transmission input shaft seal, look for oil around the weep hole, and oil dripping from the nearby oil pan bolt head. While down there, pull back the dust boot on the clutch slave plunger, if there is any fluid present, it’s bad. Get an auto stethoscope, listen on the gear box top side, have as assistant operate the clutch pedal, both with the engine off, and running, a bad clutch release bearing will make itself known. From under the vehicle, with the engine off, listen to the clutch actuation shaft while someone operates the clutch for unnatural noise also.

 

I have been having the clutch making noises on my car when I get all the way to the end of the throw for a while now....meaning it's getting time to change. I found a lightened flywheel for only 200 bucks....now just looking to find a good deal on a clutch kit, then do the work. FWIW my stock flywheel and clutch has 86k on it and it's still not slipping. But with the mods I have on my car it's def time to get the change made. If you want to go with stock parts your going to be looking at an even bigger tab when it comes to the parts than aftermarket. It's all up to what you want for your car....I've heard a lot of people having better clutch performance and life with aftermarket parts. My advice would be talk to people that you know and get a referal to a good shop in your area that can do the work at a lot better labor price than the stealership. But it's always up to you.

 

So in researching why my clutch pedal felt a little sticky I came across this post. And I thought, that's ridiculous, how could the floor mat make the pedal sticky? But dang if that wasn't the problem! Pulled the floor mat all the way back and no more sticky pedal. Crazy!

 

I'm going to check my floor mats in the morning!!