Has anyone here ever replaced their clutch disk without replacing the pressure plate?
In all my years building my own (non Mini) cars/engines - I have never replaced a clutch without replacing the pressure plate, seal and throw-out bearing.
Four (or so) years ago my original clutch failed @72K. Replacing is a job I couldn't tackle myself in a parking lot of my apartment.

<Not intending to rant>:
I had a local BMW/Mini garage provide the clutch kit and preform the repairs. Upon picking up the car the mechanic told me that he installed a new
clutch disk but didn't think the pressure plate or seal needed replacing . So he didn't. I know/experienced with classic VW and Porsche....but the Mini is new to me. So I didn't argue.
My Mini is now @85k (only 13k mi since then). I don't drive it hard - but I'm starting to feel symptoms of a clutch issue again. The pedal has/feels normal resistance but a deep squealing tone can occasionally be
heard as I disengage the clutch. Especially stopped on a hill or if the engine/oil runs hot (248°F) in stop and go traffic. It can also become difficult to engage into gear during this time. I changed the gear box fluid
about 2k ago and discovered it had only been filled with 1qt of fluid (by the shop. 4years ago). Thankfully no leaks. No metal shavings. Re filled it w/ 2qts - Redline MTL 75w80.

Am I jumping to conclusions here with respect to the old pressure plate causing an issue??
Or something else?

Notwithstanding ; I was charge the full amount ($725) for the clutch kit... (which I later partially, recovered after contesting the bill for the cost of the new parts not use).

 

Having gone through my own clutch replacement, given the labor involved in changing the clutch, seems odd that they wouldn't replace everything while in there. And now that you're having clutch issues again, not sure I would go back to that shop for further repairs.

Squealing when disengaging the clutch would lead me to believe the throw-out bearing is giving up.

 

Thanks @njaremka, for your response and preliminary diagnosis.

I agree - After the aforementioned experience with this Mini shop - Despite their 5 star reviews - I swore I would never go back.
Unfortunately, I recently (late 2020?), having debilitating medical issues (unable to even hold wrench), I had no choice but to go back after throwing a belt due to a failed idler pulley and severe oil housing/cooler leak. Again, the workmanship/repairs were expensive and sloppy = (broken tensioner bolt, lower heatsheild laying on top of the starter missing it's bolt, dented intercooler fins and continued oil housing leak). Unfortunately there are not many (Mini) specialist/service garages in my area that I feel comfortable with.
I am mechanically inclined/capable. I learned a lot about my Mini; successfully preforming repairs + upgrades myself, over the last few years. Mini transmissions are a little beyond me.

After reading many positive posts from NAM members; I understand that @WayMotorWorks is in my area.
'only caveat is that; this is my only mode of transport and WMW is 30mi away.
I may have no choice but to bring into them before it ends up on a flat bed...again.

 

The pressure plate and throw out bearing should ALWAYS be replaced with the clutch kit, that is why they come together. Any mechanic not doing them with a clutch job shouldn't be working on cars, or just really loves to do a job twice.

With the MINI we have seen many pressure plate failures as they commonly fatigue and are many times the actual cause of the clutch failure from just the loss of clamping force.

 

I've been poor, but on every car I've replaced the clutch on, I've always somehow found the money to replace the pressure plate and throw-out bearing. Always. Given the work involved to pull the tranny on almost any car except a Triumph Spitfire, it's always such a PITA to get the tranny out that I just don't want to leave anything old in there that might fail prematurely.

Scott

 

Per my original post: My sentiments, exacty.

Despite my aggravation - It wasn't my intention to vent or disparage mechanics.

Not to belabor the point...
I paid a lot of money to have this repair done by a "five star", reputable shop. However, 3,200 +/- mi per year (in four years), driven like a responsible adult, (I feel), is an unreasonable amount of time for a new clutch to fail/replacement.
It just seems baffling to me.

Although, I don't believe the customer is always right - but in this case, I knew better. I should have been more assertive.

Thanks @WayMotorWorks, for weighing in.

 

I can't believe this. A clutch kit comes with a new pressure plate and seal, you paid him to install the kit and he told you he didn't install all of the new parts you paid for?? So what, he replaced the clutch disc and nothing else? Additionally, a single mass flywheel should be machined during that job and I recommend dual mass flywheels be replaced with a new clutch.

Maybe it's just me, but any time I pull a transmission for a customer pay repair, I recommend replacing the rear main seal (whether it is leaking or not) as well since I'm right there.

That shop that did your clutch gets a huge thumbs down from me.