R50/53 Sticky/creaky clutch need help
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1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 31
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From: Port Orange, FL
Sticky/creaky clutch need help
When I push and release the clutch it makes a sticky/creaky feeling. You can hear it under the hood and makes it very difficult to shift properly. The feeling isnt there after for the first 5 minutes of driving but after it warms up it comes back. I just had the clutch master cylinder replaced and its still there. Any suggestions of what it could be? Should I replace the slave cylinder? Where is it located and is it difficult to replace?
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,972
Likes: 3
From: South Florida
I have had this happened twice on my 2005 MCS with 52K miles.
Both times the CLUTCH KIT and the DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL have been replaced under warranty, no questions asked.
This is a well known and documented defect with the OEM LuK clutches in these cars. The bearing (which is made of plastic) has gone bad. There is also a problem in the clutch pressure plate (Uneven pressure that makes the clutch wear out faster). In other instances you have a "Chewbacca" sound when going out of 1st gear when the car is cold.
Are you still under warranty?
Both times the CLUTCH KIT and the DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL have been replaced under warranty, no questions asked.
This is a well known and documented defect with the OEM LuK clutches in these cars. The bearing (which is made of plastic) has gone bad. There is also a problem in the clutch pressure plate (Uneven pressure that makes the clutch wear out faster). In other instances you have a "Chewbacca" sound when going out of 1st gear when the car is cold.
Are you still under warranty?
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1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 31
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From: Port Orange, FL
Out of warranty, this problem has been going on for months getting progressively worse and the creek louder. It makes it when i press down the clutch regardless of what gear im in or neutral. Its also very hard to push the clutch down, i had the chance to feel another clutch of an 05 MCS couple days ago and it was much easier. Id take it to a MINI dealership, but $125an hour for labor is a little steep.
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: greenville, SC
I have had this happened twice on my 2005 MCS with 52K miles.
Both times the CLUTCH KIT and the DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL have been replaced under warranty, no questions asked.
This is a well known and documented defect with the OEM LuK clutches in these cars. The bearing (which is made of plastic) has gone bad. There is also a problem in the clutch pressure plate (Uneven pressure that makes the clutch wear out faster). In other instances you have a "Chewbacca" sound when going out of 1st gear when the car is cold.
Are you still under warranty?
Both times the CLUTCH KIT and the DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL have been replaced under warranty, no questions asked.
This is a well known and documented defect with the OEM LuK clutches in these cars. The bearing (which is made of plastic) has gone bad. There is also a problem in the clutch pressure plate (Uneven pressure that makes the clutch wear out faster). In other instances you have a "Chewbacca" sound when going out of 1st gear when the car is cold.
Are you still under warranty?
I would have to agree 100% with ClubmanS. I had the exact same problems as you and also replaced the clutch kit and flywheel. It is a little pricey because it's located behind the engine. Good luck.
I think that the problem is likely related to the clutch release bearing and guide sleeve. You don't provide the build date for your MINI, but the design of these parts was changed as of July 2004, I believe.
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6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,972
Likes: 3
From: South Florida
Out of warranty, this problem has been going on for months getting progressively worse and the creek louder. It makes it when i press down the clutch regardless of what gear im in or neutral. Its also very hard to push the clutch down, i had the chance to feel another clutch of an 05 MCS couple days ago and it was much easier. Id take it to a MINI dealership, but $125an hour for labor is a little steep.
Plan to spend around $600 for the clutchmasters FX200 kit and add another $800-$900 for labor at an independent MINI mechanic for installation.
At dealer prices, expect to spend $2,500 (Including labor) to put back new OEM clutch. I wouldn't do that
Whatever you decide, your clutch is quickly going. Get it replaced before it leaves you stranded on the side of the road. Go the aftermarket route and get a better quality clutch kit than the OEM stuff that don't last much.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,972
Likes: 3
From: South Florida
These clutches are crap. Pure and simple. Plastic throw out bearings
soft clutch disc material, easily glazed dual mass flywheels. Crap and nothing but unabated third world quality crap
I expect to find a bad quality clutch on a Yugo or East German Trabant. Not a world class BMW product
MINI has spent upwards $5,000 replacing 2 failed clutches and dual mass flywheels on their dime. When my MINI Extended service contract expires and I need a new clutch, I will go aftermarket.
I have heard rave reviews about the Clutchmasters FX200 for the MINI application. A quality clutch hardware that gives the car the justices it deserves.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,972
Likes: 3
From: South Florida
Replacing the clutch in these cars is a BEAR. Unless you have proper tools and skill to do it, it is a job much better left to a professional mechanic.
9-10 hours labor time is involved as the engine and transmission has to come out to get access to the clutch bell housing. My independent MINI tech charges $75 an hour for labor. Much cheaper than the $130 per hour labor rate my dealer charges on out of warranty repairs.
9-10 hours labor time is involved as the engine and transmission has to come out to get access to the clutch bell housing. My independent MINI tech charges $75 an hour for labor. Much cheaper than the $130 per hour labor rate my dealer charges on out of warranty repairs.
Man, now I'm getting worried. I have that sticky, rusty clutch pedal for a while now... I don't want to face a $1000+ transmission fix. I"m out of warranty and that's one bill I can't afford at the moment.
Last edited by MrCooperS; Jan 26, 2009 at 07:36 AM.
Neutral
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 7
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Same Issue, but not in the engine comparment
I'm having the same issue. I depress the clutch pedal and get a loud creak/squeak. It generally will stop as the temperature raises in the cockpit. this just started since I've relocated from Tx (warmer climate) to PA (much colder). See the picture as to where the noise is coming from...Any suggestions on how to fix it? Should I lubricate the area (seems to be all plastic and I'm not sure that's a good idea). Any help would be appreciated (oh I guess I should say I have an R53 (2003, w/JCW kit, 30kmiles)
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,972
Likes: 3
From: South Florida
Clutchmasters website:
http://www.clutchmasters.com/
For street use, the FX200 has gathered very good reviews in the MINI. If you track the car or have more aggressive driving needs, you can look into the FX300 and up clutches.
http://www.clutchmasters.com/
For street use, the FX200 has gathered very good reviews in the MINI. If you track the car or have more aggressive driving needs, you can look into the FX300 and up clutches.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,972
Likes: 3
From: South Florida
If you get it done at the dealer ($120-$130 per hour labor rate) you are looking at a $2,500 repair bill
The Clutchmasters at $525 is a bargain considering the quality of the parts and the engineering that went into them. No comparison to the OEM clutch kits.
Find an independent MINI mechanic that can do the install for you between $70-$80 bucks an hour. You'll be still looking at a $1,500 repair bill but much better than $2,500 dealer charge and same crappy parts.
This is the TRUE cost of maintaining a manual transmission MINI post-warranty. The car is fun but be prepared to shell out the bucks when the clutch goes south.
The Clutchmasters should last at least 5 times more than the OEM hardware. So look at it from the perspective of a worthwhile expense that will make your car much better to drive and more reliable over the long haul.
The OEM Luk clutch and flywheel will set you back at least $600 at dealer prices
If you get it done at the dealer ($120-$130 per hour labor rate) you are looking at a $2,500 repair bill
The Clutchmasters at $525 is a bargain considering the quality of the parts and the engineering that went into them. No comparison to the OEM clutch kits.
Find an independent MINI mechanic that can do the install for you between $70-$80 bucks an hour. You'll be still looking at a $1,500 repair bill but much better than $2,500 dealer charge and same crappy parts.
This is the TRUE cost of maintaining a manual transmission MINI post-warranty. The car is fun but be prepared to shell out the bucks when the clutch goes south.
The Clutchmasters should last at least 5 times more than the OEM hardware. So look at it from the perspective of a worthwhile expense that will make your car much better to drive and more reliable over the long haul.
If you get it done at the dealer ($120-$130 per hour labor rate) you are looking at a $2,500 repair bill
The Clutchmasters at $525 is a bargain considering the quality of the parts and the engineering that went into them. No comparison to the OEM clutch kits.
Find an independent MINI mechanic that can do the install for you between $70-$80 bucks an hour. You'll be still looking at a $1,500 repair bill but much better than $2,500 dealer charge and same crappy parts.
This is the TRUE cost of maintaining a manual transmission MINI post-warranty. The car is fun but be prepared to shell out the bucks when the clutch goes south.
The Clutchmasters should last at least 5 times more than the OEM hardware. So look at it from the perspective of a worthwhile expense that will make your car much better to drive and more reliable over the long haul.
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 31
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From: Port Orange, FL
Got a shop to put a new clutch in for $750 parts included. Best price ive heard of. Will be a little more if the flywheel needs servicing of course. Or worse yet needs replacing...
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,972
Likes: 3
From: South Florida
Be careful and make sure they have worked on MINIs before. Also ensure that they are not giving you refurbished parts.
My Mini is going in on Thursday for a lot of warranty work...including clutch replacement because of squeaking & rattling of dual-mass flywheel. I started having these problems at around 35k last year, and now at 43k, it's time before the warranty runs out in June. San Francisco Mini charges $195/hour for labor, which is absolutely insane.