R50/53 Calling all S owners w/LSD
Coordinator :: Pitt Stop MINI
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,919
Likes: 1
From: Steelers Country
I got this bulletin performed on my very late build '05 a week or so before it was published (...I worked at the dealership.) From what the tech explained to me, it is actually the original fluid fomulation that they are putting back into the late model builds to stop the "groan." Apparently they switched to a different kind at some point in production and have since determined that the original formulation works better. I dunno... that's just what I was told. Right or wrong, whatever it is worked - I don't have the groan anymore! 
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 0
From: Madison, WI
Originally Posted by Mini2Go
I got this bulletin performed on my very late build '05 a week or so before it was published (...I worked at the dealership.) From what the tech explained to me, it is actually the original fluid fomulation that they are putting back into the late model builds to stop the "groan." Apparently they switched to a different kind at some point in production and have since determined that the original formulation works better. I dunno... that's just what I was told. Right or wrong, whatever it is worked - I don't have the groan anymore!
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
NIGHT AND DAY!! Got the transmission oil replaced today as per March '06 TSB (see my earlier post). Noise is completely gone! The TSB really helps because it legitimizes the repair and the procedure is very clearly described. Hope this helps others. Now I love my car even more!!!
Well, after 1300 miles, I'm getting a little of the groan. It used to be completely quiet. It's not too bad; we'll see how it is after another thousand miles. I'm going to have the oil changed at 5,000 anyway; I'll have them do the LSD too if it get's worse.
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
Mine was quiet up until around the 1000 mile mark. This was the reason why I pursued this...how can it be "normal" if the sound was not there when it was new? Once it had the groan (loud enough for people in a parking to look to see what's happening), the sound stayed pretty much the same - never went away nor did it get any louder. I lived with it for about 4 months until the TSB came out and had it done today at 5000 miles
. Drove the car some more and still no sound .
. Drove the car some more and still no sound .
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Reston, Virginia, USA
Add my car to the list of groaning LSDs--Feb 2005 build.
Mine did not become apparent until I had coilovers installed.
The LSD at least WORKS great, and the sound isn't too bad.
(Great to discover this thread. I wasn't completely sure what it was.)
Mine did not become apparent until I had coilovers installed.
The LSD at least WORKS great, and the sound isn't too bad.
(Great to discover this thread. I wasn't completely sure what it was.)
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 0
From: Houston
I took my car in several months ago when I was having the problem, but the SA said he couldn't do anything about it unless he actually experienced the problem. So finally, I took it in this afternoon, told him I knew about the TSB, and he agreed to take it out for a test drive. The second he backs out, it starts groaning. Then he made another circle and it continued groaning. He agreed that it needed to be fixed and said it would have to be done tomorrow. I'm so happy that I don't have to suffer the embarrasment of pulling up to people and having a less than half year old car groan like it's a decade old.
He said that he had only done one so far which I thought was very interesting. I guess not enough people are complaining to their SAs about it.
He said that he had only done one so far which I thought was very interesting. I guess not enough people are complaining to their SAs about it.
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 956
Likes: 1
From: Lower Merion, PA (Philly)
Wow! 
After browsing this thread I will never get the first year of anything ever again. I lived with the stumble/yo-yo for 14 months on my '02 before they came up with a fix. Glad it appears that I shouldn't have any problems with my 1/06 build LSD.....would have driven me batty, especially after my previous experience. I'm happy for all of you that you won't have to live with this issue any longer. 
After browsing this thread I will never get the first year of anything ever again. I lived with the stumble/yo-yo for 14 months on my '02 before they came up with a fix. Glad it appears that I shouldn't have any problems with my 1/06 build LSD.....would have driven me batty, especially after my previous experience. I'm happy for all of you that you won't have to live with this issue any longer.
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Got it changed this morning and it took less than an hour. It was funny watching them test it. They just kept driving in little circles in both directions, like a dog chasing it's own tail. 
I'm happy to report no more noise. Also, they didn't nail me for having mods.
I'm happy to report no more noise. Also, they didn't nail me for having mods.
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Bean Town
groaning
i mentioned at my 10 k check up for giggles, as i figured it was just the clutches and heavy lube, but dealer immediately said there was a TSB and changed the gear oil, wonder if the new fluid is quieter but not as good for protection...
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 3
From: H-town
My car is in the shop overnight for 1st oil service and I mentioned the LSD issue. My dealer is aware of the service bulletin, but the service advisor told me they would check it out cold in the morning to make sure it's not something else. Should get it back tomorrow, hopefully groan free.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 3
From: H-town
Picked mine up today from its 1st oil service and LSD service. Says on the receipt they replaced the transmission oil per the service bulletin, and yes it's moaning and groaning has been silenced! Yeah!
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Reno, Nevada
Groaning LSD problem solved !
Many thanks to Rygold, eh0013 and others who posted on this problem. I had the same groaning noise coming from the front end during steering. But, after a visit to Brecht Mini in Escondido, CA, problem solved!
But at that visit I found out that my rally lights had been improperly installed and can not be adjusted. (Presently they point at the ground about two yards in front of the car.) Now I have to have a discussion with my original dealer. I'll post the results under another thread.
Thanks again, all.
But at that visit I found out that my rally lights had been improperly installed and can not be adjusted. (Presently they point at the ground about two yards in front of the car.) Now I have to have a discussion with my original dealer. I'll post the results under another thread.
Thanks again, all.
Replace your transmission lube while still under warrantee!
Note to LSD owners - if you are approaching the 50K mile mark, take your car in and complain about groaning noises in parking lots at full lock on the steering.
They are supposed to replace the tranny/LSD fluid with a different brand under warranty, per a service bulletin.
MINI notes that the original fluid is "lifetime", but in a transmission case with a friction-type LSD in it, there will be a lot more wear-product floating around in the oil.
If they won't change it for you with the updated fluid, pay and have it done anyway, if you plan to keep the car for a while. It's good preventive maintenance, even if you don't have OEM LSD.
They are supposed to replace the tranny/LSD fluid with a different brand under warranty, per a service bulletin.
MINI notes that the original fluid is "lifetime", but in a transmission case with a friction-type LSD in it, there will be a lot more wear-product floating around in the oil.
If they won't change it for you with the updated fluid, pay and have it done anyway, if you plan to keep the car for a while. It's good preventive maintenance, even if you don't have OEM LSD.
I had my fluid changed as per the TSB sometime when that last post was (summer 2006) but i'm wondering if I should go back in anyways and try to get it covered again just for good measure?....I gotta go in anyways before the 50k mark cuz my fuel gauge intermittantly stops working. I'm sure they'll be able to fix that.........(sarcasm spewing profusely out of my mouth!) I can hear it now: "well we weren't able to duplicate it at this time but the next time it happens be sure to call us right away so we can get it in and take a look at it". Can you tell I used to work at a car dealership?? Dont know how many times I heard those words muttered in seven years.
WOW really OT....sorry about the ramblin everyone I'm going to bed...........
Steve
) I can hear it now: "well we weren't able to duplicate it at this time but the next time it happens be sure to call us right away so we can get it in and take a look at it". Can you tell I used to work at a car dealership?? Dont know how many times I heard those words muttered in seven years.WOW really OT....sorry about the ramblin everyone I'm going to bed...........
Steve
Hey All:
Yes mine does the same thing it was built in May 05. It's really ugly feeling in a parking garage.
However, I took it to the dealer and they said that it was the power steering. They have since replaced the power steering pump, which did nothing to help. I did talk to the tech and he said that this is a problem with 05's. Seems Mini made a change to the power steering / rack and it has caused some issues. The tech also said that they are told to replace the pump first. If that doesn't work then it is in the Rack. He said that it would probably be a while on the rack because they haven't got them fixed yet. 
When they replaced my power steering pump it did nothing for the noise. I have to call the dealer back and let them know so that I can have it noted and when they get the rack solution (not holding breath) I can get it taken care of.
Who knows, maybe they are just blowing smoke.
Later,
Ray
Yes mine does the same thing it was built in May 05. It's really ugly feeling in a parking garage.
However, I took it to the dealer and they said that it was the power steering.
They have since replaced the power steering pump, which did nothing to help. I did talk to the tech and he said that this is a problem with 05's. Seems Mini made a change to the power steering / rack and it has caused some issues. The tech also said that they are told to replace the pump first. If that doesn't work then it is in the Rack. He said that it would probably be a while on the rack because they haven't got them fixed yet. When they replaced my power steering pump it did nothing for the noise. I have to call the dealer back and let them know so that I can have it noted and when they get the rack solution (not holding breath) I can get it taken care of.
Who knows, maybe they are just blowing smoke.
Later,
Ray
I have driven both 03''s and an 05 MCS. Both had same issues....and thus if they have different racks....well you do the math...
For the love of God, if a technician doesnt know the answer why cant they just say they don't know instead of making up crapola.........
Note to LSD owners - if you are approaching the 50K mile mark, take your car in and complain about groaning noises in parking lots at full lock on the steering.
They are supposed to replace the tranny/LSD fluid with a different brand under warranty, per a service bulletin.
MINI notes that the original fluid is "lifetime", but in a transmission case with a friction-type LSD in it, there will be a lot more wear-product floating around in the oil.
If they won't change it for you with the updated fluid, pay and have it done anyway, if you plan to keep the car for a while. It's good preventive maintenance, even if you don't have OEM LSD.
They are supposed to replace the tranny/LSD fluid with a different brand under warranty, per a service bulletin.
MINI notes that the original fluid is "lifetime", but in a transmission case with a friction-type LSD in it, there will be a lot more wear-product floating around in the oil.
If they won't change it for you with the updated fluid, pay and have it done anyway, if you plan to keep the car for a while. It's good preventive maintenance, even if you don't have OEM LSD.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 2
raising an old thread from the ashes I suppose 
My '06 has recently started groaning again. I had the fluid switched per the TSB way back, probably in '06 and the groaning went away. Well, now, 3.5 years later, it sounds like it's back! So, I'm wondering what guidance is out there now that more people have had experience with this. Should I get the LSD/Tranny fluid replaced? I'm at 68,000 miles.
My '06 has recently started groaning again. I had the fluid switched per the TSB way back, probably in '06 and the groaning went away. Well, now, 3.5 years later, it sounds like it's back! So, I'm wondering what guidance is out there now that more people have had experience with this. Should I get the LSD/Tranny fluid replaced? I'm at 68,000 miles.
I had mine changed per the TSB. I'm at 72,000 & it is still quiet. My guess would be that the additive package or whatever makes the LSD lube different has worn out. I know MINI says lifetime fluid. Change it with what MINI calls for. IIRC you only need 2 quarts.
Change it with what MINI calls for. IIRC you only need 2 quarts.