Guys,
I just posted this reply in the "transmission Sticky" thread but maybe this deserves its own new topic:

My R50 is ready for a "tranzectomy"
I'm pacing............

Trying to decide whether to take the whole engine/trans out with an engine hoist (which I own)
OR
Remove subframe and drop the trans with an engine support bar on top along with a trans jack underneath. (about $200 worth of tools, I'm looking at going "why did I just buy these"...still in boxes btw)

Assuming I have 4 jack stands and a 2 ton jack.........
Which is easier?

 

I have helped the youtube poster known as "ModMini" R&R the transmission on our R50's several times for clutch and transmission issues. My advice is to drop the subframe and then lower the transmission. That way, while the subframe is out, you can do the ball joints (4 of them) and the control arm bushings (get the pre-pressed ones from Way Motor Works). Might be time for new power steering hoses as well- that whole assembly comes out with the subframe so hoses would be easy at that point. They get leaky over time.

I would suggest watching some of the ModMini you tube videos unless you've done this before.

Good luck- what is coming out and what is going in?

Val

 

Why would you want to pull the engine to remove the tranny?

Drop the subframe, use a floor jack and a piece of wood to support the motor. Support bar is fine too, I just though it was easier to line up the engine and tranny using the floor jack.

I used my friends transmission jack but I dont think they are very expensive. Worked great for both the subframe and the transmission

 

I'm all over the mod mini vids. :-) So great. I've heard of mechanics just hoisting the whole enchilada out so you didn't have to do the sub frame dance. I guess it depends on what you need to do and what tools you have. Hopefully if I do the subframe approach, I can still get to the leaky crank sensor o ring (having pulled the bumper off). However, it does look like my oil pan gasket needs to be renewed. It is really wet all the way around. I had the ball joints and Control arm bushings done this year, as well as a clutch. ($$) This trans sticking is a real bummer. And hopefully when I crack it open it is an affordable solution with only a few parts, like a bearing or two. We are down to self-serve if we are going to keep this Mini. (my fondness is growing after all) Thanks for your suggestions!! Really appreciate it and you are helping me win the battle!

 

We normally just pull it straight out the front. You can use two jacks or an engine hoist.

 

heh, I think my next Mini , I'm pullin straight out the front............
I can see now why that would be preferred .......

 

Is the r50 that different from the r53?

I can't see how you can pull it out the front with the ac stuff in the way. I didn't even take my radiator off.

Well Way is the pro, if he is taking it out the front, on a rack, then it must be the easiest way to do it