R56 :: Hatch Talk (2007+) MINI Cooper and Cooper S (R56) hatchback discussion.
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R56 Clutch Choices for an n18 model

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Old May 5, 2026 | 08:57 AM
  #26  
Raymo2u's Avatar
Raymo2u
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I never saw screws in the area on mine...Its just the 2 bolts behind the grill, and a bolt under each wheel arch to remove the bumper...
 
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Old May 5, 2026 | 09:34 AM
  #27  
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Originally Posted by Raymo2u
I never saw screws in the area on mine...Its just the 2 bolts behind the grill, and a bolt under each wheel arch to remove the bumper...
theyre definitely there on mine, maybe its a late model lci thing as mine is a 2015 r57. I only posted here as its more trafficked than the r57 area and originally I was asking something generic to the platform.
 
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Old May 7, 2026 | 02:39 PM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by njaremka
I had the ClutchMasters steel flywheel with FX100 kit, and it handled my Prototype-R Stage 2 tune without drama. Since my car was a daily, and the wife occasionally drove it, I wanted as close to stock feel from the replacement clutch. Mission accomplished with the steel flywheel and FX100 kit. I also paired it with an MFactory mechanical LSD at the install. The car just hooked up and drove.

If your car is a daily, my recommendation would be to skip the puck style clutches. You'll hate life in ANY kind of stop-n-go traffic. Those clutches tend to be very "On / Off" in their engagement.

When you get in there, plan on replacing all the seals. Have a full set on hand. If the crank seal isn't leaking, and you don't disturb it, it should be fine to leave alone. The axel seals need to be replaced every time an axel is pulled. If you install an LSD, you'll also have to replace the gearbox input shaft seal.

You'll also want to have a new clutch release lever, pivot bearing, and guide bushing, Since you'll be dropping the subframe, also a good time to swap out the rear control arm bushings and sway bar bushings. I kept the OEM front sway bar, but replaced the bushings with SuperPro poly bushings.

I might be forgetting something, but this should get you pointed in the right direction.
Hope OP doesn't mind me jacking their thread. 🙂 This is interesting - I just finished replacing the clutch on my R56, and I watched a lot of videos first, and nowhere did I see any mention of needing to replace the axle seals. Do you think not doing so will cause me issues moving forward?
 
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Old May 7, 2026 | 02:43 PM
  #29  
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Mini recommends replacing the seals whenever an axel is removed. Considering the cost of everything else involved here, the axel seals are cheap.
 
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