I did not replace either seals. I went with Waymotorwork's recommendation of not changing the seals unless they're leaking. Same with the clutch fork bushings.

I would put together a write-up but to be honest, after using Pelican Parts 'technical guide, I would feel silly putting one together. Theirs is the one I used and their guide really is a step-by-step process. Other than not having torque specs, which is what a Bentley manual is great for, they really offer up the best clutch guide I know of currently out there.

 

Cool...

 

Theres also a step by step on how to remove the subframe as well. There's a drop down box in the pelican link.

 

Nice, thanks for the info.

 

Here's what I believe to be the beginning of the end.

http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/h...t=e5abb3a4.mp4

 

Let me me know when you're ready to work on yours. I don't mind helping. I have a transmission jack you can borrow as well.

 

I was quoted $1300 for my clutch to be replaced along with my supercharger to be serviced. No flywheel though. Seems like a good deal to me as they are probably the most trustworthy MINI mechanics in Florida. While they're down there, they suggested replacing the power steering lines and some various oil gaskets and it pushed the job upwards to $1,800. I'm okay with that..as long as there aren't any surprises when they're exploring. Which there probably are. Oh well. Im ready for it.

 

Bring your new clutch/flywheel. I'll put it in for $500. Seattle area.

 

Ammi, are you for real? $500?!?

 

The stock LuK dual mass clutch flywheel is nothing but crap.

The best decision I ever made was to replace the sub-par dual mass flywheel with the Valeo Single mass flywheel conversion. My independent did this last January and the car drives better than ever. If you are mostly a street driver and want to keep the clutch replacement costs at a reasonable level, the Valeo single mass flywheel conversion kit is definitely the way to go. Dampening, pedal feel and response are all better than stock.

Highly recommended.

 

Make the trek down to Miami and see Luis Sanchez from Precision Autowerks:


http://www.pawmotorsport.com/

He is the best and most respected independent MINI shop in South Florida. Honest, professional, very fairly priced and he will tell you like it is. No sugar coating problems, hiding problems or making up problems that do not exist.

Talk to him before you entrust anyone to work on your MINI.

 

My clutch is holding on for dear life.. Thinking of going for this one when it's time...

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=3624441

 

I've heard/read bad reviews of entry level Exedy clutches. Go with single mass flywheel and clutch by Valeo.

 

Why do you have to comment and act like a douche? this is an old thread but damn you need to learn how to re-word your comments.

 

This is an encouraging thread. I picked up an R53 this past week as my first Mini. The clutch does the squeak thing when it's cold so I know it's on the way out. It's my fair weather DD so I'm thinking I'll tackle the clutch this winter when it gets parked for the season. I've done my share of RWD clutch jobs, but never a FWD one. Sounds like a good excuse to get to know my car better.

 

Good advice from all.
I just made a mechanic's-eye-view video of removing the transmission and installing a Valeo clutch. Hope it's helpful to someone:

 

Thank you! Between this and the Pelican article there shouldn't be any problems. I've got both the Chewbacca howl and a throw out bearing that's starting to go, so this is on my spring to-do list.

 

\

 

Hi guys, just another status update on "what clutch jobs cost". I was ready and (not really) excited to have my clutch done by Minicorsa when the time came, as I had moved from ABQ to Los Angeles. Perfect!

Alas, my clutch decided to take a dump while I was on a trip in ABQ, so there goes all dreams of Minicorsa. So I took it to the only place I knew and trusted, a BMW/Mini/Porsche specialist. They are charging the full MINI quoted labor hours (13), so I finally figured out that THAT is why Minicorsa can 'get away' with $1500 - they are just charging for their labor straight up and I bet it takes them 4-5 hours. MY bill here in ABQ, which counts 13 hours, is about $2500. :(

In rather good news, instead of the OEM parts, they are using the recommended Valeo single-mass kit. I am still trying to negotiate them down on price (using the $1500-ish quote from Minicorsa). But I have another angle: they were paying way too much for their kit (nearly $1000), and I have that link from y'all at Way Motor Works for $450. If I can save this mechanic a bunch of money for any future MINI clutches they do, I hope they'll see the logic of cutting me a cost break now.

Wish me luck!

 

Yeah 100% mark up on parts seems to be the price with some repair shops.

Friend of mine just paid $1200 for exhaust on her sons 02 cavalier. Looked at the bill and the price of every part was doubled.

Good luck getting the price down!

 

My 02 MCS is slipping under acceleration. Need to find a shop in Maryland or Virginia. So far the independents I've talked to are within $150 of Mini Cooper dealers'quotes ($1,900). That doesn't seem right.

 

I paid exactly 10 hours labor for mine and $100 shipped for a luk clutch kit from rock auto.

 

Its listed as a 10 hr job. IMO have MINI do it if estimate is that close, better warranty and in some dealerships that sort of loyalty puts you in a better position to negotiate labor should other issues crop up....

 

Sounds like MINI is being pretty competitive here. This is billed as a roughly 10 hour job and ties up a bay for basically a full day. For a commercial shop with overhead, $1900 is not too bad.

 

We charge $800 labor for a clutch install plus parts, which usually comes out to right around $1400. SMF Valeo conversion kit, guide tube, trans fluid, slave if necessary, brake fluid, and some cleaning supplies.

I will agree that MINI quoting within a couple hundred bucks of an indy shop is either them getting competitive or a sign of them being a bit light on work load. Does that price also include a new flywheel? Not all quotes we've seen from the dealer include a new DMF, which is fairly costly.