Hello all,

I made a post last night about my alternator possibly going bad, and yeah, I have determined that is the issue and need to get it replaced. I am still deciding my options on this (do myself or take to shop.)

I believe the throw-out bearing in my clutch is going/is already bad. I have 66k mile on the car, and have been noticing for quite some time now...maybe 15k miles, that when idling the clutch is making noise; however when slightly pressed in it stops. I don't notice it while moving, however that could be because of road noise.

I am trying to determine if this is something that requires a full on clutch replacement, or if I can continue operating until the clutch starts to slip (as of now, the clutch otherwise seems to be in perfect working order.) Obviously I want to avoid spending 2k to get it replaced, however if it needs to happen that'll make my decision on who does the alternator pretty simple.

I talked to a mechanic about it, who advised to get it replaced, however I am not sure if he is just trying to make money or is serious and would like some additional insight.

 

IMO I would not wait very long if at all. If the throw out bearing explodes inside the tranny you will most likely do serious damage and it will be more costly. But if you are going to replace it, just replace the clutch and the flywheel with it. Stay with the OEM as it is reliable and there are really no issues with it like the aftermarket.

 

Sounds normal, I forget what everyone calls it, but I believe it's something to do with the dual mass flywheel. When in neutral and you release the clutch really slow (very very) does it stop the chatter? Mine has been doing it for well over 200,000 miles, and it is fine.

The alternator is fairly easy. I would think you could do it your self.

Nik

 

Yes, it does stop when I do this. I understand you've gone awhile with this with no issues; but if it does go...it isn't good I guess. Question is, will it explode?

I want to have it replaced, but I don't want to have it replaced ($$$ that I don't have.)

 

That would be clutch chatter.

Try fully depressing the clutch pedal at idle to disengage the clutch, the noise should disappear. Then let the clutch pedal out slowly. If the noise returns at all, it should be much less noticeable. Then yes I would agree you can drive if like that until the clutch needs replacing. It's one of several benign quirks of this model's otherwise great powertrain.

 

Read these if the DMF is what you are hearing.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.com...ss-clutch.html

https://www.northamericanmotoring.com...ch-rattle.html

 

I doubt if a bad TOB would explode, sieze maybe, explode: I don't think so. If the clutch itself is sound there is no need to replace it. I agree that the labour is the same to change the clutch or TOB.
If the noise you describe is 'normal' for the model then leave it - but don't sit in traffic with your foot on the clutch, v poor driving technique.

 

Read

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-exploded.html

 

Here is a recent bearing that exploded in a tranny
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...loded-tob.html

 

Should I have it checked out, or would they have to take it apart to determine?

When I press the clutch pedal down, the noise is gone, but when I release slowly it is quieter/non-existent.

Would it be beneficial to record and post on here what I am hearing? After reading some of those links provided above, it sounds to be normal and nothing to worry about. I would just hate to have it explode and cost another fortune.

 

Read the thread on disintergrating TOB's. Both interesting and serious. I shall change mine as soon as it makes ANY noise. Thanks for the heads up, Bradminator.

 

Thousands of MCs running around out there with chattering, and very, very few of them turn into exploding TOBs. Do the test as described above to see if your sound is the "normal" TOB sound. If it is, just keep driving it and don't worry about it. Mine has been chattering for quite a long time, and I'm not concerned one bit.

 

04 R53 here with exactly the same issue. Also, Sometimes when I release the clutch I get a "cracking" noise. This only happens sometimes and from gears 1 - 2, have no idea why

 

Could be cracks in the case for those evil ball bearings. I know what I'd be doing.....

 

I have the same chatter. not worried. by the sound of it, its very common, and people drive many miles with it like this. just make sure you read this and know what would cause a TOB to go. thanks Bradminator
http://www.promini.com/technical/coo...ch_failure.php

 

 

i thought i had the same problem when i bought mine a month ago, thought it was the TOB, brought it to the dealer asking about it and they said the TOB would make noise if the clutch was slightly depressed and not disengaged. i had a video in my thread, i thought it was the death rattle. but i was told it was ok, ill try to find the video, but for me it happens some of the time, loudness also varies. but if i release the clutch slow in neutral it doesnt make a noise but release it fast i get it. i was told its just neutral chatter. Ducati motorcycles are also known for this, most people get an open clutch cover for the noise too

 

Ducati uses a dry clutch where the clutch plates are free to rattle in the air, and thus the grinding/jingling/clattering noise you hear. I used to ride back in the day a 2000 748s

 

click on the picture, should pull up the video, does it sound like this? cause thats my mini and i was told it was ok

 

sounds exactly like mine. sometimes louder than others. sometimes I can play with the clutch pedal and get it to stop completely.
Previous owner had the same problem and neither of us had any other issues with the clutch itself. been doing this for over 25,000 miles (I know because I am friendly with the mechanic who used to work on the car for the previous owner).
I have personally put over 9,000 agressive miles on it. not saying I'm making the right decision by doing nothing but I have heard a lot more stories of people living with the issue for tons of miles than I hear about explosions.
This is how I sleep at night ...
but I am knocking on wood as I type this...

 

Exactly the same noise im having... spot on. thanks for posting a video. it will help alot of people wondering about there sound.

 

i looked around alot on youtube, couldnt quite get it, so i made one myself, cause the first time i brought it to the dealer i couldnt replicate it, then i figured it out. i have 27k miles on the car now, we will see how she goes

 

Side note: not to change topics but I see both Salty and MCSushi are from new england and joined earlier this year - make sure you check this event out if you havent heard of it already. I went last year and it was awesome.
http://minisontop.com/
We'll be able to hear each other coming for sure - LOL